THE Isle of Man is hosting a major conference about crustaceans this week.
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Working Group on Crab meeting is taking place all week in Port Erin.
ICES is the principal provider of fisheries-science advice for the EU and is a highly respected international marine-science organisation.
The first comprehensive research programme for the island’s crab and lobster fisheries started this year, with the intention of ensuring future sustainability of the industry.
Bangor University fisheries biologist Dr Peter Duncan said: ‘Hosting this meeting in the Isle of Man provides a great opportunity for me and Fikret Ondes, a PhD student working on Manx crabs, to discuss ideas and issues with crab fishery experts from several countries around the North Atlantic.’
Fisheries Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘This is great news for the Isle of Man, which is fast becoming a leader in fisheries innovation.
‘I am sure that we can learn from the scientists present in relation to monitoring our crab stocks and ensuring sustainability into the future.’