An attempt to view the environmental impact assessments undertaken into drilling in Manx waters has been blocked.

A Freedom of Information request into the release of the assessments undertaken prior to any and all licensing of hydrocarbon-seeking seismic surveys in Manx waters to Crogga Ltd, was denied by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

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It ruled it would be ’unfair’ on the company and ’highly unethical to release, and allow public scrutiny of, a draft document submitted by a company which has paid for the survey but not yet been able to realise any benefit from it’.

It added: ’The permit that had been issued in April 2020 before work had commenced and the company had not had the chance to benefit from the preparatory work that it had commissioned.

’Release at this time would be likely to prejudice a relationship that had the potential to assist the island to achieve its economic aims.’

Crogga Ltd was given a licence to explore the island’s seabed for the fossil fuel.

The Manx-based company states that future production would ’not cause meaningful damage to the seabed or sea life, nor contravene the Unesco Biosphere Status’.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle has previously said that there is ’no will, permission or intent’ in place from Tynwald to pursue fracking.

The register of Tynwald members’ interests shows that Crogga’s shareholders include Venture Ltd, which is listed as being owned by Douglas East MHK Chris Robertshaw.