Manx government drops measure to protect king scallop stocks
Licence bans for those caught 'ghost-fishing' king scallops will be effective, and in some cases could be permanent.
That's according to Minister for Environment Food and Agriculture Geoffrey Boot.
His comments follow yesterday's (Fri 26) announcement the government has dropped the requirement for all vessels fishing for the species in Manx waters to call at an Island port for daily catch checks.
The measure, introduced to protect stocks, was withdrawn after talks with Scottish Government, who had raised concerns about the effect it would have their fishing industry.
Mr Boot says most crews understand and cooperate with fishing rules, but for those who are caught cheating in Manx waters, bans will follow:
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