Scallop limit imposed after catch concerns

The government's to limit the amount of King scallops caught in Manx waters - after 800 tonnes were caught in just six days.

A temporary daily limit will be enforced by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture following concerns over unsustainable catches.

It's after talks between the Island's fishing industry and the government earlier this week.

 From now, licensed boats will only be able to catch 1,400kg per day.

DEFA says the move is in response to growing concerns over stocks, with the news some boats have been catching up to eight tonnes a day.

The limit will be in force for the next six weeks.

DEFA Minister Geoffrey Boot says his department has already reduced the number of vessels licensed for king scallops this year, and started an inshore marine zoning plan with five no-fish areas close to the Island's coastline.

He says the department will continue to review the fishery and monitor the impact on stocks.