New powers over fisheries (From Tivyside Advertiser)

New powers over fisheries

2:10pm Friday 9th April 2010

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The Welsh Assembly Government is assuming new powers over Welsh waters, up to halfway across the Irish Sea.

The powers include restrictions on the amount of fish that can be caught, the kind of fish, and fishing methods.

Control was previously held by a number of different Whitehall departments and agencies.

The Assembly government will also take control of a small fleet of management boats and land vehicles, while Environment Agency Wales will continue to manage migratory fish and estuaries.

The South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee, the Welsh portion of the North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee and the Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries Unit have been amalgamated, creating one unit responsible for fisheries policy, management and marine enforcement.

The area of water covered stretches as far as the median line border with the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man for the first time.

Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones said: "Inshore fisheries are hugely important to communities in Wales; indeed they make up the majority of the Welsh industry, which is why increased Welsh Assembly Government control is so important.

"The restructure is also an important step towards securing the aim of the Wales Fisheries Strategy of a sustainable, financially viable and effectively regulated fishing industry in Wales.

"The Sea Fisheries Committee officers have a wealth of experience and knowledge and will form an important part of the new team within the Welsh Assembly Government."

The Assembly government will undertake a full review of legislation, in consultation with stakeholders, to ensure that the right measures are in place to properly manage fisheries in Wales.

The role of the Environment Agency Wales (EAW) in the management of migratory fish will not change and the Ms Jones has asked the EAW to continue its sea fisheries management role in estuaries.

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