Report recommends reduction
The Island's Scallop Management Board has recommended the catch limit for the forthcoming king scallop season is reduced.
The season starts on Thursday next week (1 November) and runs through until the end of May next year.
The board has recommended the total allowable catch has been reduced from last season’s 3,203 tonnes to 2,562 tonnes for 2018/19.
It also recommended a daily catch limit of 700kg per vessel and a closure of the fishery over the Christmas and New Year period.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says these decisions are based upon a report produced by the its independent fisheries science advisors at Bangor University.
It shows king scallop stocks are continuing to decline, and that a precautionary approach is needed to ensure the long-term viability of the sector.
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