Isle of Man scallops earn MSC certification

The fishery producing Manx Queenies, the Isle of Man’s queen scallops, have been awarded sustainability certification under the Marine Stewardship Council program.

The scallops are caught by Isle of Man registered day boats using an otter trawl. Queen scallops are small (5 centimeters), relatively short-lived, prized by chefs and celebrated annually in the Isle of Man in the three-day Queenie Festival.

“MSC accreditation of the Isle of Man Queenie fishery has only been possible as a result of the close working partnership between government, fishermen and processors,” said John Shimmin, Isle of Man minister of environment, food and agriculture. “All three parties have worked hard over the last few years to improve the sustainability and quality of Isle of Man Queenies, which discerning consumers can now purchase with confidence. I hope in the coming months that we will be able to extend this partnership, and in time that the whole of the Irish Sea queenie stocks will be able to benefit from measures similar to those introduced in Manx waters.”

A second fishery using toothless dredges to catch Queenies was not recommended for certification and has exited the MSC program.

Subscribe

Want seafood news sent to your inbox?

You may unsubscribe from our mailing list at any time. Diversified Communications | 121 Free Street, Portland, ME 04101 | +1 207-842-5500
None