Skip to main content
His Excellency and Lady Lorimer were delighted to host a ceremony at Government House to celebrate the appointment of the first Admiral of the Manx Herring Fleet in 30 years. Distinguished marine scientist, Dr David Beard, was formally appointed into the, now ceremonial, role, saying ‘I am incredibly proud to take on this role which holds immense historical significance. It is a real honour.'
Despite the herring fishery employing more than 2,000 people at its peak in 19th century, the Admiral’s duties slowly diminished and eventually ceased altogether. Although it was briefly revived in the 1960s and 1990s, nobody has held the role for more than 30 years.
The 420-year-old tradition has been reinstated after local fishermen started to catch herring in Manx waters again in 2023, thanks to new UK quotas, which it is hoped will lead to a commercially viable Manx herring fishery for the first time in 25 years.
Congratulations to Dr Beard on this historic occasion!