The Isle of Man is to cut the amount of king scallop fishing licences by almost 50% amid concerns about sustainability.
The Isle of Man’s Fishery department (DEFA) said the number of vessels authorised to fish in Isle of Man waters will fall from 156 to about 88 from next month.
The move follows a recent public consultation regarding the multimillion-pound industry.
The Isle of Man Government said the current trend of more fishing boats and larger catch sizes was taking its toll.
In 2015/16, some 4,500 tonnes of king scallops – worth about £4m – were landed in the Isle of Man.
It is thought the licence cap, which will take into account the size of vessels, will protect local fishermen dependant on the fishery.
Manx territorial waters stretch for 12 nautical miles (22 km) from the coast and incorporate about 4,000 sq km.
Isle of Man King Scallops are regarded as some of the best in the world with large meat and bright colourful roe, they are a local delicacy.