Beard warns diversification could take years

Queenie fishing monitored on weekly basis

A leading figure in the Manx fishery has said asking crews to diversify away from queenie fishing could be likened to asking a carpenter to become "an expert electrician".

David Beard, of Manx Fish Producers, say an offer from the government to help crews diversify would be hard for the crews to achieve, and also would take some time to carry out:

Queenie fishing is continuing off the east coast of the Island with assessments being made at the end of each week.

If the catches hold up, fishing will continue; if they fall, the boats will be told to head for port.

Your can hear the full interview with Mr Beard below.

John Moss began by asking Mr Beard for his view on the current situation: