Investigations into lower roe content in Queenies landed

Experts say a rise in sea temperature could be playing a part

While the quality of Queen Scallops caught in Manx waters this year has been high, it's been noted that the roe content within them has been lower than expected. 

Dr David Beard of the Fish Producers Organisation believes the issue could be linked to a number of factors.

It's thought that a rise in the sea temperature could be playing a part by causing the shellfish to spawn earlier than usual.

As part of the investigation into the reasons tags are being attached to the trawl gear on a number of vessels to test the temperature on the seabed. 

Dr Beard also explained that when Basking Sharks are present in Manx waters they feed on the same plankton as the queen scallops.

He added that it's been necessary to micro-manage the fishery to a greater extent this year by moving vessels around the main fishing grounds. The current focus for trawlers is an area off the south of the Island.

With the Queen Scallop season approaching the halfway stage, almost 50% of the total allowable catch of 1,350 tons has already been landed.