The Isle of Man king scallop seasonal fishery opened at the beginning of November with licensed boats on a daily quota of 560kg, in line with catch limits implemented by the Manx government to regulate the fishery.

Since the start of the winter fishery, scallop crews have regularly had to contend with some scruffy weather.

Lower numbers of visiting boats, mainly from Maryport and Kilkeel, fished alongside the local Manx fleet in the first few weeks of the season.

Grounds to the west side of the Isle of Man, including the Targets south to Bradda Head, were fished initially in the opening weeks of the season, when sea conditions permitted.

The traditional winter fishery is important for local Manx boats, as well as crews bordering the east and west shorelines of the Irish Sea.

Darren Purves captured some of the early action by Manx vessels aboard skipper Wayne Caley’s Lynn Marie PL 178.

  • The Manx scallopers Aoife Rose, Maureen Patricia and Coral Strand towing in Port St Mary Bay.
  • Coral Strand’s crew lifting the gear after the first tow of the day.
  • Alauna heeling to starboard on the top of a swell.
  • Maureen Patricia towing past Valonia…
  • … and running up to drop the gear in fresher weather.
  • A crewman sorting the catch on deck as Frey takes the next tow.
  • Venture Again towing on the Targets.
  • Bradda Head towers over Our Sarah Jane.
  • Bonnie Lass in action on a fine morning.
  • Zephyr taking the last haul of the day.
  • Benolas…
  • … and Spaven Mor heading in to land at Peel.
  • Valonia towing past Ramsey Jak.
  • Lynn Marie returning to Peel.
SubscribeSubscribe
Great reasons to subscribe:
  • Keeping up with the week’s most essential fishing news
  • Up to 55% saving on the normal subscription price
  • Every issue delivered in 100% plastic-free packaging
Subscribe now

No thanks, I’m not interested!