My Department does not compile statistics on water pollution incidents. However, records in respect of incidents resulting in fish kills are maintained by the Marine Institute's Fishery Research Centre from reports furnished by regional fisheries boards and local authorities. According to these records, the number of fish kills in each of the years since 1992, and to date in 1997, was as follows: 1992, 51; 1993, 33; 1994, 32; 1995, 84; 1996, 47; 1997, 36 (to 10/10/97). Primary responsibility to prevent pollution incidents rests with those engaged in activities that could entail a pollution risk. However, local authorities, as statutory pollution control authorities, have a key role in protecting water resources and avail of an extensive range of powers to give effect to their responsibilities in this area. At 31 December 1996, a total of 1,882 licences issued by local authorities in respect of the control of effluent discharges were in force. During 1996, local authorities carried out more than 6,000 inspections or investigations into activities that posed a pollution risk and issued 1,346 statutory notices specifying measures to be taken in order to prevent pollution. They also issued advice or warnings in 5,195 cases.