Post of admiral of Manx herring fleet reinstated

The island's lieutenant governor formally appointed David Beard (right) to the role

An admiral of the Manx herring fleet has been appointed for the first time in more than three decades.

Marine scientist David Beard was formally appointed to the now ceremonial role by the island’s lieutenant governor during a ceremony at Government House on Tuesday.

The 420-year-old tradition was reinstated after a new quota was agreed with the UK, allowing Manx fishermen to fish for it for the first time in 25 years.

Dr Beard said it was an "honour" to take on the role, which held "immense historical significance".

Traditionally, the admiral was responsible ensuring vessels were ready for the opening of the fishing season and monitoring fishermen's' conduct at sea.

The fleet had existed for centuries, with as many as 350 boats at sea and thousands of people employed during the late 18th Century, however as stocks fell over the intervening decades boats owners looked to shellfish to make a living.

The EU Common Fisheries Policy introduced quotas in the 1980s and by the time stocks had recovered the island had been excluded.

The admiral’s duties diminished over time and eventually ceased altogether, and although it was briefly revived in the 1960s, nobody has held the role since 1993.

Dr Beard is chief executive of the Manx Fish Producers Organisation (MFPO), which works with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture to support the recently reinstated Manx herring fishery.

He said the new quotas were helping to "diversify" the island's fisheries.

The initial 100 tonne limit for 2023, caught by two crews, is set to be increased to 200 tonnes in 2024, so twice as many of the oily fish can be caught and landed by local fishermen.

Lt Gen Sir John Lorimer said Dr Beard was the "perfect candidate" as in his position at the MFPO he already worked to "ensure the Island's fishing industry can be profitable and sustainable".

The appointment was a "fitting way to celebrate the reintroduction" of the quota and "honour an important Manx tradition", he added.

The updated agreement also includes a 100 tonne quota for langoustines in 2024, which have recently been caught by local crews.