New fishing deal means more autonomy, says minister

The deal supersedes a previous agreement from 2012

A new fishing management agreement will give the Isle of Man greater autonomy over its fisheries, a government spokesman has said.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the island, UK, Welsh, Northern Irish and Scottish governments was signed last month.

It replaces a previous Fisheries Management Agreement signed in 2012.

A spokesman for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) said it marked "a significant milestone" in the island's ability to manage its sea fishery.

The deal in 2012 allowed the island to implement its own changes to fishing rights within the 12-mile (19.3 km) zone from the Manx coast following consultation with the other nations.

However, the latest MOU replaces that agreement and allows the island to "develop any aspect of sea fisheries policy within its waters", the Defa spokesman said.

'Collaborative relationships'

The new agreement means each of the governments could share information on their jurisdictions, which was "underpinned by a high-level policy on cooperation, fairness, respect, and reciprocity", he said.

Defa Minister Clare Barber said it was "a significant step forward" that would "empower" the Manx government to shape local fisheries policies.

It would also foster "collaborative relationships" with neighbouring administrations and ensure the island "upholds its international obligations", she said.