Scallop limits eased despite overfishing concerns

Government is lifting the limit on catching king scallops - two months after concerns were raised about overfishing.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture brought in a 1,400 kilo a day limit in November.

At the time there were concerns about how many scallops were being caught in the opening days of the fishing season.

However Minister Geoffrey Boot says the limit will now be shelved.

DEFA imposed the catch limits after reports more than 60 boats were fishing in Manx waters - landing more than 200 tonnes per day.

The department said the number of boats given permits to fish had declined but days later imposed the catch limit to ensure the fisheries remained sustainable.

Mr Boot says data analysed by his department shows a reduction in fishing activity with more measured catch rates.

And with many vessels not catching their daily limit he says the time is right to ease restrictions.