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The Isle of Man Government’s Fisheries Directorate, part of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, has achieved first place at the UK finals of the Sustainable Seafood Awards 2011 following a presentation in London to an audience of industry experts, food journalists and major buyers of seafood from supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.
The entry, on behalf of the Island’s Queen Scallop industry, was judged following a presentation at the Finals at Billingsgate Seafood School yesterday, 27th January.
Manx Queenies were up against five other competing products, including:
Stone Bass entered by Direct Seafoods;
Sardines entered by the Marine Conservation Society;
Spider Crab entered by the Welsh Fisheries Department and South Wales Fisherman’s Association;
Pacific Cod entered by Alaskan Seafood;
Yellow Tail Kingfish entered by Clean Seas
John Shimmin, Minister for the Department said: “This is a great achievement for the Isle of Man Queen Scallop fishing industry. Manx Queenies are a world class product and the Department together with stakeholders have invested heavily in ensuring that the Island retains a strong fishing industry while protecting our marine heritage. It is gratifying to receive this type of recognition of our efforts.”
Billy Caley, Director of Isle of Man Seafoods and a member of the Isle of Man Scallop Processors Association said: “This is further recognition of how far the Isle of Man seafood industry has matured. As processors we have moved beyond accepting minimum landing size products and seek to land only the most mature Queenies. By doing this we ensure that the younger stock remains on the seabed, repopulating our waters for future years, and that consumers receive only the best quality Queenies. It was an honour to be able to present at the Finals and I am certain that this win will increase the value of our industry in the eyes of the British consumer.”
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