The fisheries department of the Manx government is trying to encourage the growth of marine tourism.

It is developing a charter angling strategy for the Island, and is encouraging local vessel owners to look at it as a realistic business opportunity.

At the same time, the department of tourism is trying to promote marine tourism.

Agriculture Minister Phil Gawne says the Island has great opportunities for recreational sea angling and could potentially be the prime sea angling centre in the British Isles.

A workshop is being held for owners of recreational and commercial vessels who are interested in the possibility of extending the use of their boats to provide charter angling trips.

Speakers from the two departments, along with representatives from the department of transport, will each provide a short presentation on practical issues such as how to qualify to take passengers and how to upgrade a vessel, if necessary.

Advice will also be given on the types of practical assistance that may be offered in the form of grants, as well as details of a training course available on the responsible operation of vessels around marine wildlife.

The workshop will be held at 7.30pm on Tuesday, June 24 at the Knockaloe farm classroom on Main Road, Patrick. For further information ring 685857.

(Picture: Basking shark watching could play an important part in marine tourism in the Isle of Man).