This section relates to the statutory requirement to furnish information relating to the catching or sale of fish.
SECTION 9.
Question proposed: "That section 9 stand part of the Bill."
What is the basis for this requirement?
At present there is no legal requirement for anyone engaged in the fishing industry to provide the Department with information on the catching or sale of fish, apart from skippers who are required under EU legislation to complete log sheets. Accordingly, sea fishery officers, in particular, are dependent on the good will of fishermen and fish merchants for access to information. Such information is required for a wide variety of reasons including the effective management of fisheries and for planning and research purposes. Most of the industry recognises the need for such information and is happy to co-operate with the Department, nevertheless experience has shown that it is necessary to establish a sound legal basis for collecting this information.
Question put and agreed to.