Many of us have been enjoying freshly caught and processed fish and seafood from the island’s waters after the industry lost its export markets because of Covid-19.

Unfortunately whatever support we can give to fishermen and processors cannot make up for the lucrative business they would normally be doing in France and northern Spain.

It is estimated that the total value of first-sale fish has halved since March with, for example, the price of queen scallops reducing by 40%.

The Isle of Man Government stepped in to support the industry at the beginning of the pandemic and since then has awarded nearly £640,000 in grants through the coronavirus fisheries support scheme, to help businesses and fishing vessel owners that lost trade because of the global health emergency.

The prolonged loss of income has left many in the industry facing significant financial pressures and is having a knock-on effect on crew retention and vessel maintenance.

Now the government has announced that seafood businesses will be offered £250,000 of continued financial support in a bid to protect the long-term viability of the island’s fishing industry.

Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Geoffrey Boot MHK said: ‘The continued support will aid those who otherwise might not survive.

‘Local seafood markets, that are predominantly export based, remain significantly depressed and this much-needed support is vital to protect the long-term viability of the island’s fishing industry.

‘The seafood sector, including processing, is worth an estimated £20m a year in the Isle of

Man, so we must do all we can to help it weather this storm.’

The scheme benefits both fishermen and processors. Under it, Manx-registered vessels 12m (39ft) and over are eligible for £500 per week while those under 12m can apply for £150pw.

And businesses which see at least 70% of their turnover relating to seafood and have an annual seafood purchase of more than £15,000 can apply for 8% of their weekly seafood purchases.

Subject to Tynwald approval the scheme will be extended by nine weeks for fishing vessel owners and 12 weeks for seafood businesses and broker traders at a cost of £250,000.

Those wishing to apply for the first time can contact DEFA Fisheries on 685857 or by emailing [email protected]