The government says it will build on the laboratory's work

The final survey undertaken by the Port Erin Marine laboratory was completed last week.

The government has worked with the laboratory to manage the island's valuable scallop stocks.

A presentation was made to Dr Andy Brand, who has been working on the project for 40 years.

Phil Gawne, minister for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, said: "The department greatly appreciates the lifetime of work Dr Brand has given to enhancing our understanding of the Manx scallop fishery.

Students transferred

"Scientific input from Dr Brand has been a vital component in helping the department gain acceptance and support for the conservation measures introduced over the last decade.

"Those measures are now widely credited with safeguarding the fishery."

Mr Gawne said the government hoped to build on the laboratory's work.

The laboratory's staff and students have transferred to the University of Liverpool.