Tough deterrent needed for misreporting
The protection of the Island's king scallop stocks is of critical importance and a strong deterrent must be in place for those who mis-report their catch numbers.
That's according to the chief executive of the Manx Fish Producers Organisation, Dr David Beard.
Talks are ongoing between the Manx and Scottish governments over how best to tackle the issue of 'ghost-fishing'.
It comes after a controversial new measure was introduced by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for all ships to call at a Manx port to check daily catch allowances hadn't be exceeded.
Mr Beard says although it's clear some aren't logging accurate reports, it's almost impossible to catch vessels in the act whilst at sea.
He's warning if the issue isn't resolved, the future of the industry's at stake:
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