Clear indications of scallop catches being mis-reported

Island has to preserve stocks says DEFA

The Chief Executive of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says there has been "clear indications" of misreporting of scallop catches in Manx waters.

Richard Lole was speaking as the Island introduced new measures to try and protect the Scallop stock in Manx waters. (As from Mon 15th)

Visiting vessels fishing for scallops in Manx waters now have to report daily to a Manx port, if they've been fishing both inside and outside Manx waters.

The move has angered the Scottish government, who claim it's putting Scottish fishermen around Kirkcudbright at a disadvantage, and is in breach of a Fisheries Management Agreement.

It's threatened to invoke a dispute resolution process if the Isle of Man Government doesn't call a halt to the new measures.

Mr Lole says the Island had to do something to preserve its stocks

B/A: The Manx government has stated it's disappointed by the Scottish response - but will continue to engage with FMA partners to try and find an effective, alternative solution. However, the new licence arrangements will remain in place for the foreseeable future.