Jimmy Deenihan
Question:455 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the functions and duties of district committees of the regional fishery boards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15792/03]
Written Answers. - Regional Fisheries Boards.
The Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations 2003 provide for, inter alia, the establishment of fishery district committees in each of the 17 fishery districts. Each committee is made up of members of the regional fisheries board who are representative of all the commercial fishermen in the district and a representative from an Bord Iascaigh Mhara.
Under the regulations, the chief executive officer of the regional fisheries board is given the statutory responsibility and accountability to manage and operate the distribution of tags within quota and implement the provisions relating to safety days in each district following consultation with the fishery district committee.
The Minister of State, Deputy Browne, has directed the Central Fisheries Board to issue guidelines for the implementation of the wild salmon and sea trout tagging scheme to the chief executive officers. This is to ensure a consistency of approach and equitable distribution of tags in each district.