The Isle of Man, nestled in the Irish Sea, boasts a rich fishing heritage that has shaped its culture and economy for centuries. Historically, the island was renowned for its herring fisheries, with "Manx kippers" gaining fame across the British Isles in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, while herring remains important, the Isle of Man’s top fish catches include queen scallops (locally known as "queenies"), king scallops, crabs, lobsters, and whelks, alongside whitefish species such as cod and haddock. The fishing industry, though smaller than in its heyday, continues to be a vital part of the local economy, with sustainable practices and strict regulations helping to preserve stocks and maintain the island’s reputation for high-quality seafood.
Rank | Fish Species | Metric Tons |
---|---|---|
1 | Great Atlantic scallop | 1,101 |
2 | Queen scallop | 812 |
3 | Whelk | 534 |
4 | Edible crab | 531 |
5 | European lobster | 47 |
6 | Small-spotted catshark | 6 |
8 | Atlantic mackerel | 2 |
8 | Dogfish sharks nei | 2 |
8 | Pollack | 2 |
8 | Thornback ray | 2 |
11 | European plaice | 1 |
11 | Norway lobster | 1 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.