Minister praises fishermen as fishery is closed

The DEFA Minister has praised the Island’s fishermen for pushing forward a decision to close the Queenie Fishery.

It will close today (Tuesday) due to the general consensus that the fishing grounds cannot withstand the level of activity currently being experienced.

Catch rates this summer have been good but since the fishing season started on June 1st it’s believed the upper catch limit recommended by scientists has been exceeded.

The scientists, from Bangor University, had recommended that no more than 35 per cent of the Queenie stock should be taken in order to maintain and grow the stock for subsequent years.

Phil Gawne said the move was a sensible one despite the fact Queenies are in demand:

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