Pre-season headache for scallop fishermen

The Isle of Man's scallop fishing fleet could be tied up in port when the season starts in a few days' time because of European Union regulations.

A tightening of the rules on boat length means most Manx vessels will breach the 15 metre maximum and, from November 1, won't be allowed to fish scallops.

The European legislation was imposed to prevent large Spanish and Portuguese vessels damaging stocks in western waters.

But chief executive of the Manx Fish Producers' Organisation Tom Bryan-Brown says the UK government has badly mismanaged the regulations.

On Mandate today (Friday) he said it was a technical breach which could have a major impact on the livelihoods of scallop fishermen: