Isle of Man fishing closure to protect stocks

The Isle of Man government has closed a rich queenie scallop fishery to protect stocks against over fishing.

The changes come after an agreement between local fishermen, the government and university marine scientists.

The decision restricts fishing at a queenie ground near Chicken Rock in the south of the Isle of Man.

Environment Minister Phil Gawne said the multi-agency decision would mean a brighter future for the Isle of Man's fishing industry.

He added: "For the first time in a generation we actually have fishermen working with scientists and the government, all agreeing to do things which will result in a more sustainable industry.

"I will not allow one or two skippers to risk the future of this fishery in the cavalier fashion that we have seen elsewhere in the Irish Sea this year."

The Manx waters subject to the new restrictions lie between the six and twelve nautical mile limit west of Bay Stacka to Sugar Loaf Rock.