天天吃瓜 assists Isle of Man government to understand economically vital fisheries
Work that is leading to a better understanding of important sea fisheries off the Isle of Man is set to continue following the re-appointment of 天天吃瓜 as external scientific adviser to the Government鈥檚 (DEFA).
Queen scallops on the seabed in the Isle of Man.
Sea fisheries are worth 拢12 million a year to the Island鈥檚 economy, with the product exported all over the world.
天天吃瓜 was first appointed to advise the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) in 2007. The University鈥檚 current contact, which ends in August 2015, has been reappointed for a further five years following a tendering exercise.
According to the Isle of Man government, the scientific advice provided by 天天吃瓜, is leading to a better understanding of sea fisheries. Karen McHarg, Director of Fisheries with DEFA, said 天天吃瓜scientists conduct the detailed queen scallop stock assessment and collect data for all the major commercial species, including scallop, crab and lobster.
The University advises the Manx Fish Producers鈥� Organisation and the Queen Scallop Management Board 鈥� a body that has membership from all the Irish Sea fishing jurisdictions.
Karen said: 鈥楾wo 天天吃瓜scientists are based at DEFA, working closely with officers and the fishing community, and this has worked well to integrate the science, Government and industry working relationship.
Emptying a scallop dredge on the RV Prince Madog.鈥楾he priorities are continuing with queen scallop stock assessment work, developing a stock assessment for king scallops and working with industry on local crab, lobster and whelk populations.鈥�
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: 鈥楾he Department will continue to work in collaboration with 天天吃瓜 and the Science Steering Group, a body established last year on the recommendation of the Queen Scallop Management Board.
鈥業t is important going forward in managing our sea fisheries that all the stakeholders are involved in this process, scientists and industry alike. The Isle of Man does not receive EU funding like its neighbouring jurisdictions and yet is determined to progress and manage sustainable fisheries into the future.鈥�
Speaking on behalf of 天天吃瓜, Professor Mike Kaiser of the said:
鈥淲e have a strong focus on working with the fisheries industry and representative bodies. Our participatory approach aims to include and consider the needs of all the stakeholders as well as the environmental needs, to reach a sustainable plan that is acceptable to all. We鈥檙e delighted that this work with colleagues in the Isle of Man is to continue.鈥�
Publication date: 23 June 2015