Minister hits back over fishing fleet numbers

Boot says number of licences has held steady

The minister with responsibility for fishing doesn't believe the Manx fleet could reduce by 25% in the coming year.

Geoffrey Boot says the number of licences in operation doesn't back up claims made by David Beard from Manx Fish Producers.

Mr Boot says he was taken aback by the comment and, as a result, checked up on the figures the department has for boats operating in the industry:-