In recognition of a shared commitment to ensure compliance with sea fisheries legislation in relation to the recreational Bass fishery and Bluefin Tuna CHART programme, together known as the “identified fisheries,” this MoU establishes a co-operative framework between the SFPA and IFI. In recognising each organisation’s respective primary statutory responsibilities and obligations, the SFPA and IFI shall endeavour to co-operate closely in relation to the following:
- Inspections and enforcement of regulations in relation to the “identified fisheries”.
- Establishment of an approach for the handling of instances of non-compliance and the process for the escalation of any appropriate response.
- Mutual reporting of patrols and inspections undertaken and completed in the identified fisheries.
- Mutual reporting of non-compliances detected in relation to the identified fisheries.
Commenting on the agreement, SFPA Chairperson Paschal Hayes said; “This MoU provides the framework to facilitate cooperation between the SFPA and IFI in relation to operations undertaken at sea and ashore regarding monitoring and control of the identified fisheries. While the memorandum does not take precedence in terms of the delivery of any respective primary statutory duties and powers, it nonetheless expresses the joint principles and operational practices designed to strengthen cooperation and operations of both parties regarding our respective functions of control and enforcement activity in relation to the identified fisheries.
Also commenting on the MoU, Inland Fisheries Ireland Deputy CEO Barry Fox said; “Both IFI and the SFPA recognise that their current regulatory roles and responsibilities can be most effectively implemented on a collaborative basis regarding the identified fisheries and will cooperate in a number of areas to maximise operational capacity for example authorised SFPOs of both the SFPA and IFI shall ensure they undertake inspection and enforcement activity collaboratively, in accordance with the statutory powers and functions assigned which may include the conduct of joint RIB patrols between SFPA and IFI RIBs as may be appropriate. A protocol for joint deployment shall be developed in advance of such operations being implemented.”
ENDS
Photo shows (L-R)
Pictured at Howth, Co. Dublin on Friday, 06th December are, (from l – r): Paschal Hayes, Executive Chairperson, SFPA and Barry Fox, Deputy CEO, IFI