Review of Inshore Fisheries Management in NI

"Securing the Benefits", the joint UK response to "Net Benefits" was published in June 2005 and sets out Fisheries Administrations' proposals for a fishing sector that is sustainable and profitable and supports strong local communities, managed effectively as an integral part of coherent policies for the marine environment.  Each administration undertook to progress the recommendations concerned with the inshore and shellfish sectors and the DARD Minister at the time, Lord Rooker, announced on 28 June 2005 that DARD, in collaboration with a range of stakeholders, would undertake a review of inshore fisheries reform in Northern Ireland.

A Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) was established which included in its membership representatives of the fishing industry, environmental NGOs, the public sector, scientists and interested parties.  The SAG met six times between December 2005 and November 2006.

Working groups were established to identify concerns and make recommendations for individual inshore fisheries.  Further working groups also examined the overarching issues of sustainability and management structures.  The recommendations of the report highlighted six vital areas - improved knowledge of inshore fisheries, adoption of an ecosystem-based approach, strengthened management, a review of legislation, adequate resources to develop the sector and enhanced communication.  The report also recommended that DARD Fisheries develop a strategy for the development of the inshore fishery which would serve as a response to the report.  DARD intends to respond before the end of 2007.

The Report of the Review of Inshore Fisheries was finalised in January 2007. A copy of the report is available by clicking on the link below.