Squid jigging: An important emerging fishery for the Manx economy?

No abstracts are to be cited without prior reference to the author.

With the global decline in finfish stocks and other traditional fisheries, many fishermen are beginning to explore the potential economic benefits of diversification. A small, directed squid fishery using traditional line and hook (hand jigging) methods has recently been reported in several coastal locations around the Isle of Man. Jigging is a highly selective fishing method which has minimal impact on the marine environment and for existing fishermen requires minimal start-up cost (e.g. new fishing gear). This study investigated the potential cost and benefits, both socio-economic and ecological, for the Manx economy of further developing the extent of this seasonal artisanal fishery within the territorial sea.