DAERA Minister Andrew Muir pictured with Isle of Man DEFA Minister Clare Barber and Treasury Minister Chris Thomas.
Ministers Hold Talks On Immigration Rules and Fishing Access
Northern Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Andrew Muir, has held talks with Isle of Man government ministers in Douglas to address ongoing concerns over fishing crew rights and access to Manx waters.
The discussions centred on immigration permissions required for overseas crew working aboard Northern Ireland vessels operating in Isle of Man waters, an issue that has created uncertainty across the fishing industry.
Andrew Muir said, “Isle of Man waters are critically important to Northern Ireland’s fishing fleets. Immigration permissions required by overseas workers to fish within Manx waters have caused uncertainty for Northern Ireland’s fishing industry.”
He added, “That’s why I made this journey as soon as this issue was brought to my attention, to engage with Isle of Man government ministers directly.”
Isle of Man Ministers Acknowledge Operational Challenges
The meeting involved Isle of Man Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture Clare Barber and Treasury Minister Chris Thomas, alongside officials from both administrations.
Chris Thomas said, “It was important to consider with our visitors how the Island’s immigration framework applies to Northern Irish fishing vessels and crews operating in Manx waters.”
He continued, “We recognise the operational challenges faced in fishing, and I feel the meeting clarified options and opportunities.”
Clare Barber emphasised the wider importance of cooperation, stating, “The fishing industry is vital to our economy, and maintaining strong working relationships across jurisdictions is key.”
She added, “This meeting provided a valuable opportunity to consider common challenges and opportunities, share knowledge and discuss how we can work together to support a sustainable, thriving fishing sector for the future.”
Wider Industry Pressures and Scientific Collaboration Discussed
Beyond immigration rules, the talks also addressed broader pressures facing the fishing sector, including elevated fuel costs, the role of scientific evidence in policy decisions, and the need for consultation on shared issues.
The Isle of Man government highlighted ongoing fisheries management work, including a trial low-impact creel fishery for prawns in closed areas of the Western Irish Sea Mud Belt under the Manx Blue Carbon Project.
Both sides pointed to opportunities for increased scientific collaboration, particularly in developing sustainable fishing practices and improving the evidence base for management decisions.
Muir said, “I was very interested to learn about the research being undertaken in the Isle of Man to future-proof a sustainable fishing industry and the government’s willingness to share and collaborate on science in relation to this.”
Outcome Framed as Constructive but Unresolved
All parties described the discussions as constructive, though no formal agreement was announced following the meeting.
Muir said, “I am thankful to the Ministers and their officials for what was a productive discussion on practical solutions to avoid disproportionate impacts on Northern Ireland vessels.”
The issue of immigration permissions for fishing crews remains unresolved, but both governments indicated a willingness to continue engagement to prevent disruption to fishing operations in Manx waters.
