Fisheries policy shake-up

A SHAKE-UP of the inland fisheries industry was unveiled by Marine Minister Pat The Cope Gallagher yesterday.

A new National Inland Fisheries Authority will replace the executive functions of the existing central and regional boards, which will retain their purely advisory role.

Mr Gallagher also pledged that those affected by the changes would be consulted by government.

“This reform will allow the Government to harness the expertise of local stakeholders involved in fisheries whilst at the same time providing a coherent and effective strategy for the sector to develop,” he said.

Responsibility for scientific research will be transferred to the Marine Institute under the minister’s changes.