The government says that the latest prosecution for illegal fishing in Manx waters sends out the strong message that the island protects its fish stocks.

The Fleetwood-based Anne Mary (pictured) was caught fishing for whelks without a licence off the east coast last week. It meant fines totalling ?17,000 for the boat owner and the skipper and the forfeiture of a catch worth over ?1,700.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Richard Ronan said: 'The fishing industry is worth millions of pounds to the island’s economy and it’s important fishing takes place in a regulated way to ensure stocks are sustained. Our fisheries protection vessel polices these regulations and has the right to board and detain any boat it finds breaching them.

'The size of the penalties imposed by the court demonstrates how seriously it takes failure to comply with regulations.'


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