Quota checks on visiting scallop boats are being reviewed in the wake of the changing Covid-19 situation across.

The king scallop season begins on November 1 and runs until the end of May.

While the net season for queenie scallops has ended dredge fishing continues to the end of the month.

Manx skippers have expressed concerns that checks will only be carried out on their boats and not on visiting vessels.

A Covid-19 risk assessment has permitted fisheries protection officers to board visiting vessels during the queenie season.

But the fisheries division of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says that could change depending on the developing Covid-19 situation across.

Director of Environment Karen McHarg said: ’I can confirm that at the present time, sea fisheries officers are able to board visiting vessels fishing in Manx waters.

’However, I am unable to confirm the nationality of vessels that have been boarded, as this is an operational matter.

’Advice in relation to the necessary precautions to be adopted in relation to coronavirus is sought on a regular basis from Public Health and our risk assessments are updated and amended accordingly.

’You will appreciate the dynamic nature of the situation and I can confirm that further advice will be sought immediately in advance of the opening of the king scallop season on November 1.’

A spokesman for DEFA said: ’The department is constantly monitoring this highly dynamic situation and reviewing and updating its risk assessments and operational practices in line with the latest guidance.’

David Beard of the Manx Fish Producers’ Organisation, said the issue was raised at a meeting of the Scallop Management Board.

He said they had been given an assurance from the chief enforcement officer that the Barrule will be able to board visiting vessels at sea.

’They’ve been given Covid-19 guidance and it will be part of their job,’ he said.

Of the 80 vessels licenced to fish for king scallops, 33 are Manx.

The 2019-20 king scallop season saw a large reduction in fished days and the number of boats, in part due to the poor weather and Covid.

In total 58% of the total allowable catch and 64 vessels took part in the fishery, with the average weight of landings being between 450 and 500kg.