King scallop fishing season gets underway

Tue, 01 Nov 2022

The Isle of Man’s king scallop fishery has officially opened today with a number of new measures to protect its long-term future.

Sixty boats have been authorised to fish for the prized molluscs by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), 15 fewer than last year.

The change in the fleet’s size is part of DEFA’s recently introduced management plan, which aims to deliver a thriving, sustainable and prosperous fishery through collaboration with the industry.

Restrictions to the amount and type of fishing gear allowed have also been introduced to protect juvenile scallops, alongside a series of protected areas.

During the seven month season the total allowable catch limit will be 2,049 tonnes and worth around £4m.