UK: Additional protection for Isle of Man fishing grounds

Published 2024년 4월 8일

Tridge summary

The Isle of Man's Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) has introduced measures to protect marine habitats by banning bottom trawling at three key fishing sites, focusing on the conservation of the Western Irish Sea Mud-belt and its species like langoustines. This initiative, aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental protection, aligns with the Isle of Man's commitment to establishing a new, sustainable langoustine fishery through low-impact methods. Following the UK's allocation of a 100 tonne langoustine quota to the Isle, these measures, set to last until December 2026, support the island's goal for net zero by 2050 and encourage research on marine habitats' role in climate change mitigation.

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Original content

Additional protection for Isle of Man fishing grounds Three important fishing sites in Isle of Man owned waters are to receive enhanced protection under new measures announced by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) to prohibit bottom trawling. The new closed areas sit within the Western Irish Sea Mud-belt (WISMB), which is a large expanse of muddy habitat off the island’s west coast that provides vital habitat for a wide range of marine species, including langoustines (prawns). The expansive area has been extensively trawled for decades by UK fleets and the seabed was recently recognised by OSPAR as one of the most physically disturbed in the North-East Atlantic. Despite this, marine scientists believe prawn numbers are sustainable with an estimated 4.5 billion individuals on the grounds between the Island and Northern Ireland, but other species taken as ‘bycatch’ in bottom trawls are in a poor state. DEFA’s decisive action will protect numerous vulnerable ...

Source: Fish Focus