A blueprint for the security and economic growth of the fishing industry goes before Tynwald for approval this month.

‘Future Fisheries’ is a strategy for the sustainable development of the Island’s sea fishery and marine environment.

Sea fishing is worth ?13 million to the economy and employs 300 people, with 60+ vessels fishing from the Island and more landing their catch here. Some 96 per cent of products are exported globally, with Manx queen scallops and kippers world renowned.

But the industry faces challenges, including increased competition from non-Manx vessels and, for some species, declining stocks.

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, says the strategy identifies ways of creating a ‘sustainable, thriving and well-managed fishery that provides high-quality products while respecting the environment’.

The strategy aims to deliver

• Increased customer and market focus
• Sustainable and diversified fisheries
• Fishing effort matched to stock size and based on quality scientific data
• Value-added seafood with sustainable economic value
• A high quality protected marine environment with increased involvement in management from stakeholders.

‘Future Fisheries’ complements ‘Managing Our Natural Wealth’, the biodiversity strategy agreed by Tynwald last month, and will assist in the delivery of ‘Food Matters’, DEFA’s strategy to grow the value of the Island’s food and drink sector, said the Minister.

‘Fish start in the sea and end up on the plate and the three strategies will complement each other,’ he said.

The Minister continued: ‘It is important that our efforts to protect and grow our traditional industries extend to the products we reap from the seas.

‘Our seas contain some of the best scallops, lobsters, crabs and whelks in the world and we have the capability to manage them successfully for generations to come.

‘Our fine seafood leads to strong exports and boosts tourism, with visitors enticed by the prospect of enjoyable eating out.’

He added: ‘The Isle of Man is a world leader in scallop fishery science and we have introduced innovative management solutions and exciting projects with the potential to deliver security and increased value for our fishermen.

‘This strategy will build on such initiatives, ensuring sea fisheries have a strong long-term future and make an increasing contribution to the economy.

‘A new fishing industry stakeholder group will assist in delivering the strategy and has already met,’ said the Minister. ‘The support of the industry will be vital to the success of this strategy.’