The MFPO represents more than 40 Manx registered fishing boats – mostly mobile gear vessels (focussed on scallop dredging and queenie trawling), but also from the ‘static’ sector (fishing crabs, lobsters and whelks). The organisation:
- Runs regular stock assessments
- Manages fish quotas;
- Acts as a political group (both on island and in the UK); and
- Provides expert advice and recommendations to DEFA.
MFPO members have supported and driven such conservation measures as gear modifications, closed areas, curfews, and minimum landing sizes – all of which have contribute to the Isle of Man’s reputation as a leader in collaborative and sustainable fisheries management.
The MFPO are members of the Working Group, representing Fisheries and Fisheries Management.