Scientists to monitor Isle of Man fisheries

The Isle of Man's fishing industry, which exports fish around the world, is worth about £12m a year

Marine scientists are to continue to monitor Isle of Man fisheries to help protect stocks in the Irish Sea, the Manx government has announced.

A contract with Bangor University has been extended by five years to collect data on commercially important stocks including crabs, scallops and lobsters.

The industry, which exports fish around the world, is worth about £12m a year.

Environment Minister Richard Ronan said the scientists will work with fishermen to help ensure the industry's future.

In 2013 university scientists recorded a sharp decline in Isle of Man queen scallop stocks.

The discovery prompted a series of restrictions including catch limits and fishery closures.

The scientists will advise the Manx Fish Producers' Organisation and the Queen Scallop Management Board - a group incorporating members from all Irish Sea fishing jurisdictions.