New SFPA HQ opened
“Ireland must continue to place priority on protecting and sustaining our fishing resource through all means, but such efforts must also be equally reflected in all other EU Member States” - Minister Mary Coughlan TD.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) headquarters was officially opened last month by Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries &Food Mary Coughlan TD, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food John Browne TD, at West cork Technology Park, Clonakilty in Co. Cork. The SFPA was established under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006.
SFPA Chairman Peter Whelan emphasised that the SFPA’s goal is to ensure the existence of a sustainable, profitable fishing industry in Ireland. ”The SFPA’s aim is to work in a real partnership with industry representative organisations and individual fishermen. Stock conservation and effective fisheries monitoring are essential elements of a thriving fishing and seafood sector,” Mr Whelan said. “Conservation and control measures can benefit all fishermen. Fish stocks must be rebuilt and exploited sustainably to protect the long term future of our industry and coastal communities dependent on fishing. There are hopeful signs of recovery and Irish fishermen stand to gain significantly from any upturn. The SFPA looks forward to working with the fishing industry representatives so that together we can develop a culture of compliance and ensure the growth of a sustainable, profitable, differentiated, world class fishing industry in ‘Ireland,” he said.
When questioned by The Irish Skipper on monitoring levels in Ireland compared to other EU Member States, the SFPA Chairman said that the EU Commission’s intent is to focus on increased levels of monitoring in the coming year but he stressed that despite rumours to the contrary, “we are no threat to people working inside the law.” The SFPA’s Andrew Kineen also told The Irish Skipper that the EU Commission operates a league table of compliance by Member States and that while Ireland is neither top nor bottom of this table, it indicates that compliance in Ireland has definitely improved in recent years which can be attributed not only to increased levels of monitoring but also to a more responsible attitude by many fishermen.
In her opening address Minister Coughlan said the Government is committed to protecting Ireland’s fish stocks and fishing industry. “I see the SFPA in the forefront of the efforts to protect and sustain Ireland’s overall fishing sector. While some may say that we have not yet delivered on all of the recommendations of the Cawley Report, we are in the middle of a 5 year plan and we are committed to delivering these recommendations,” she said. The Minister added, “Ireland’s fishing industry can have a bright future - a buoyant and growing market exists throughout the EU for fish and fish products. Across all markets seafood enjoys an extremely positive image and is associated with a healthy lifestyle. Here too, the SFPA, has a vital role to play in ensuring that our seafood products are produced to the highest possible food safety standards.”
Minister John Browne added that he was confident that there is an acceptance among all Irish operators that compliance is in everyone’s interest. ”I look forward to the continuation of a strong culture of support for compliance and for the work of the SFPA around the coast,” he said.
Operations
The past twelve months have been a significant first year for the SFPA. The Authority has conducted and completed a recruitment drive to attract and train staff at inspector, technical, administrative and managerial grades. These are now all engaged in the objective of delivering the services of the Authority to the fishing and seafood productions sectors in Ireland. The Authority provides a 24 hour 7 day control and enforcement service around the coast of Ireland to regulate sea-fisheries conservation and seafood safety. |
