Manx fishing industry 'could benefit' from new UK EU deal

Head of Manx Fish Producers' Association welcomes UK announcement

The new deal between the UK and EU, which includes providing EU fishing vessels with access to British waters for 12 years, could benefit the industry in the Isle of Man. 

That's the view of the head of the Manx Fish Producers' Association, Dr David Beard.

He says the deal won't be welcomed by fishing fleets in the UK, but a promised reduction on checks and red tape could make the export of produce from the Isle of Man easier.

Dr Beard says he's still to see the fine print of the agreement, but the easing of red tape would reduce costs for exporters into the EU.

The agreement between the UK and EU is described a reset in relations; it contains a new defence pact, and opens the door for EU students to study at British Universities.

But it's the fishing deal that has proved the most controversial. Dr Beard says he can understand the feeling among UK fishermen that they have been sold out by the government. 

His Scottish counterpart has already called it disastrous, but Dr Beard says the end result may be a positive for the Isle of Man.