A MAJOR dispute has broken out after Northern Ireland trawlers were effectively banned from fishing in Isle of Man waters following a sudden change in visa rules.
Strangford MLA Michelle McIlveen has demanded urgent action after new Manx legislation left all vessels from Portavogie, Ardglass and Kilkeel unable to operate within 12 nautical miles of the island.
Under the revised rules, any vessel with crew working under a transit visa or a UK Skilled Worker Visa cannot fish commercially in Manx waters. Owners who do so risk committing an offence.
To work legally in the Isle of Man, crew must now hold an Isle of Man visa — and that can only be secured if the business itself is Manx-registered.
Miss McIlveen said: “Due to challenges in hiring a local crew, 70% of those working on Northern Ireland vessels are overseas workers.
“The implementation of these rules will in effect remove all Northern Ireland vessels from fishing within 12 nautical miles of the Isle of Man despite having purchased permits to fish there.
“Our vessels have been fishing these waters for generations and it is extremely important for the fleet in terms of scallops and nephrops.
“This is a devastating blow for an industry already under extreme pressure,” she added.
“This change has come without consultation or advance warning. This appears to be another phase of the fishery protectionism from the Isle of Man Government. I had raised previously about exclusion zones being imposed on spurious environmental grounds.”
Miss McIlveen continued: “Minister Muir cannot drag his feet on this issue, I have written to the Minister to outline this issue and asked for action to press for a reversal of this action.
“He needs to stand up for our fishing industry. I have also requested that he meets with industry representatives as a matter of urgency.”
Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said he shares the concern of the local fishing industry following the apparent sudden introduction of changes to Isle of Man immigration policy.
“I am particularly disappointed by the lack of prior engagement on this issue, given its potential to have a significant and detrimental impact on the Northern Ireland fishing fleet,” he said.
“My officials have met with industry representatives and contact has also already been made with representatives of the Isle of Man government.”
Mr Muir said he requested meetings with Clare Barber and Chris Thomas, who have ministerial responsibility for fisheries and immigration in the Isle of Man.
“It is important to act quickly on this matter to fully understand the rationale for these changes and to explore practical solutions that avoid disproportionate impacts on Northern Ireland vessels,” said Mr Muir.
