FCILC JC 26 June 2008

1.  The eleventh North South Ministerial Council meeting in the Aquaculture and Marine sectoral format was held in the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Thursday 26 June 2008.

2.  The Northern Ireland Executive was represented by Michelle Gildernew, MP, MLA, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Junior Minister Jeffrey Donaldson, MP, MLA. The Irish Government was represented by Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and Minister of State Sean Power, TD. Minister Gildernew chaired the meeting.

3.  The Chairperson and the Chief Executive of the Loughs Agency, Mr Tarlach O Crosain and Mr Derick Anderson respectively, presented a report to the Council on developments since the previous meeting in May 2008.

4.  Ministers noted that the first Commencement Order relating to the 2007 Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries legislation came into operation on June 1 and that two further Commencement Orders are being considered and will be reported on later in the year. These Commencement Orders are required to bring into effect provisions of the legislation which extend the functions of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission in relation to licensing and development of aquaculture, and the conservation and protection of the fisheries in the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

5.  Ministers noted that the Agency had purchased a 17 metre catamaran at a cost of approximately £300,000 (€380,000) with delivery anticipated before the end of 2008. The new boat will be used to collect the management data required for the sustainable development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough.  Ministers also noted the Agency’s successful Biodiversity Week held during May. This involved 37 different events and attracted participation by over 1,500 people.

6.  The Council received a presentation on the Loughs Agency’s financial assistance strategy for sustainable angling and marine tourism.  Twenty-five applications have been recommended for funding support so far.  These include angling events, the provision of drying rooms at tourism-based accommodation and habitat enhancements to encourage the natural development of fish stock.

7.  The Council approved five sets of regulations. The first of these prohibits the sale, within the Foyle and Carlingford Areas, of salmon and sea trout caught by rod and line.  The Agency believes that the introduction of this legislation will inhibit the opportunities for the disposal of illegally caught salmon and sea trout for gain and will also encourage the conservation of stocks by legitimate anglers. The other regulations approved by Ministers are designed to help with the conservation and   protection of the native oyster in Lough Foyle.

8.  The Council agreed that its next meeting in the Aquaculture and Marine sectoral format will take place in November 2008.