Search scaled back for missing snorkeller

The search for a young snorkeller missing off Lord Howe Island for the past six days has been scaled back, police say.

ACT man Jake Barrett was reported missing by friends after he failed to return from a snorkelling trip about 20 metres off Middle Beach last Wednesday.

Emergency services concluded a full-scale search for the 20-year-old on Monday, however police will continue to comb the area on foot throughout Tuesday.

Commercial fisherman and private aircraft have also been briefed to scope the area, police said.

Mr Barrett was reportedly holidaying on the island, which located 600km east of Port Macquarie.

A close friend of Mr Barrett said family and friends will not be speaking publicly about the search until a result is reached.