Peel breakwater will be closed to the public as Covid security measures are stepped up for the king scallop season.

The fishery opens for the season this Sunday (November 1) and continues until May 31.

Thirty one Manx boats and 48 from Scotland and Northern Ireland are licensed to fish for king scallops in Manx waters.

However, with many travelling from areas where Covid-19 restrictions are in place and with the island’s ongoing border restrictions, the way harbours are managed will change.

To keep local and visiting crews from mixing they will be asked to use separate and secure designated areas when berthing in Douglas or Peel - with a one in, one out, system for landing catch.

Visiting crews will only be allowed to use these two harbours.

Local seafood processors will work with skippers to co-ordinate collections and only locally-based crews will be allowed to use Ramsey and Port St Mary harbours this season.

Visiting fishermen will be allowed to manage their boat’s lines but must not disembark for any other reason. Isle of Man crews already follow this procedure when using UK ports.

Security services will monitor Peel and Douglas harbours around the clock and anyone breaking the rules could face a £10,000 fine or up to three months in prison.

Manx crews will receive identification cards to pass through harbour side security measures.

The added security means Peel breakwater will be closed to the public until May 31. Fencing will go up beyond the kiosk at 8am on Friday to create a secure area, but this will not affect the town’s firework display.

All licensed crews have been informed of the changes that follow consultation with the industry and public health.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle said: ’The Isle of Man is currently Covid free with no active cases in the community. These measures are being introduced to allow all crews and processors to use harbour areas in a safe way.’

The seafood industry is worth £20m a year to the Manx economy and directly employs around 300 people in full-time or seasonal roles on the Island.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Geoffrey Boot, said: ’We are well aware of the pressure the industry is under this year and these measures are designed to help fishermen and processors to do their job safely.

’We hope it will help to avoid the potential for significant disruption at ports due to added enforcement and logistical issues caused by the ongoing pandemic.’

Crews will be permitted to land a total of 2,049 tonnes of king scallops with a daily catch limit per vessel set at 700kg. This will be monitored and reviewed regularly following the latest market conditions.

The Barrule patrol vessel has been cleared to board local and visiting vessels with strict cleaning procedures in place between inspections.

Peel RNLI is urging everyone to keep the lifeboat launch area clear of parked vehicles while the breakwater remains closed.

A spokesman said: 'It is vitally important that the volunteer crew is able to launch the lifeboat quickly and safely if there is a "shout".'