Inshore Fisheries Group, IMPORTANT
Feb 4, 2010 3:00:22 GMT -1
Post by SEAJUNKY on Feb 4, 2010 3:00:22 GMT -1
I am sorry about the length of this post, but it came to me as a massive PFD doc which I could only copy over. In short it is your chance to be a member of the Inshore Fisheries Group (IFG) which is an part of an advisory body to the WAG fishies unit. I have applied as a recreational angler for the northern region. IF THE ADMIN FROM ANY OTHER FORUMS WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THIS POST PLEASE DROP ME A PM.
Steve
Elin Jones AM, the Minister for Rural Affairs, announced in September 2008
that the Welsh Assembly Government would assume full responsibility for sea
fisheries management in Wales. This means that the staff and functions of the
South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee and the Welsh part of the North
Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee will be amalgamated with
the Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries Unit in April 2010.
The joint Committees of the Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) in Wales will
therefore be disbanded and the Welsh Assembly Government is looking at
how to replace this while building on its existing stakeholder groups. Retaining
and developing local and national stakeholder involvement in fisheries
management is a key aim of the project. The overarching aim is a partnership
approach to fisheries management and marine enforcement with a diverse
range of stakeholders fully engaged in policy development.
A Stakeholder Advisory Group was established which contained fisheries
representation (commercial, aquaculture and recreational), appointed
members of the Sea Fisheries Committees, Countryside Council for Wales,
Environment Agency, Wales Environment Link, Wales Coastal and Maritime
Partnership and the Welsh Local Government Association.
2
This group was tasked by the Minister with developing a new stakeholder input
framework which facilitated local and national input building on the work of the
SFCs. The group has met four times this year to develop this framework and
discuss options. The group looked at existing structures in the SFCs and in the
Scottish Government as well as proposed structures for Inshore Fisheries and
Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) in England. The group considered dividing
the stakeholder structure into species specific or sectoral groups, but in the
end agreed that regional Inshore Fishery Groups feeding into an overarching
Advisory Group would provide the best solution for Wales.
Scope of consultation
The Stakeholder Advisory Group has agreed the proposed model for
stakeholder input into fisheries management as set out below. The purpose of
this consultation is to seek wider public view on the practical details of how this
new structure will work.
3
Set out below is a stakeholder input model developed by the group. We now
seek your views on how this model may work.
Diagram 1
Minister for Rural
Affairs
Wales Marine Fisheries Advisory
Group
(WMFAG)
Sub-groups – Species advisory groups
as required Sectoral advisory groups
Technical Groups
Inshore fisheries Groups
Welsh Assembly GovernmentFisheries Unit
Providing executive and administrative function at all levels.
Enhanced Fisheries Unit (incorporating the former SFC staff) will provide –
Scientific, Enforcement, Policy and legal guidance and assistance. Further
additional scientific and technical advice may be procured on an ad hoc
basis should this expertise be required.
Minister for
Environment,
Sustainability and
Housing and
Marine Branch
SOUTH
IFG
MID
IFG
NORTH
IFG
4
Where will this structure sit in the context of existing fisheries
stakeholder engagement?
In Wales we already have a number of groups that input the views of
stakeholders to the Minister for Rural Affairs. However these groups all look at
different aspects of fisheries. The Wales Fisheries Strategy Group and its
implementation subgroups cover all forms of fisheries interests. The Strategy
groups are tasked with developing the future vision for fisheries in Wales
across the four sectors, commercial sea fisheries, inland fisheries, recreational
sea angling and aquaculture and ensuring the work is delivered to meet the
aims set out in the Strategy.
There is also a group called the Fisheries and Aquaculture Strategy Group
(FASG). This is a sectoral group within the Wales Agri-Food Partnership and
focuses on fish as a food commodity, rather than the management of fisheries.
The Environment Agency Wales has a fisheries group known as the Fisheries
Ecology and Recreation Advisory Committee (FERAC). This group’s remit is
inland recreational and commercial fishing for salmonids and freshwater
species.
All of these existing groups will continue alongside the new proposed
stakeholder input structure.
How will the groups in our framework interact?
The Wales Marine Fisheries Advisory Group (WMFAG) is to be made up of
senior representatives from national organisations, with the organisation
having the seat rather than specific members. The 3 main sea fisheries
sectors: commercial sea, recreational sea angling and aquaculture will be
represented by their national bodies/associations. Inland representation would
continue through existing channels. The Chairs of the 3 ‘Inshore Fisheries
Groups’ will also sit on the Group. Nature conservation and marine
environmental aspects will be represented by Wales Environment Link, the
Countryside Council for Wales, and Wales Coastal Maritime Partnership. The
Chair of the WMFAG will be a publically appointed paid position.
The WMFAG will directly advise the Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries
Unit and the Minister for Rural Affairs on national policy, developing action
plans and setting of objectives. There could possibly be an annual meeting
with the Minister to discuss progress against actions plans and to set the next
objectives.
The WMFAG will interact closely with the existing Wales Fisheries Strategy
Steering Group. There may be some overlap between these 2 groups in terms
of remit and membership, however, we believe it would be best to keep both
5
these groups existing side by side in the short term until roles, remit and
membership of the WMFAG are clearly defined. In terms of practicalities, the 2
groups could meet on the same day, one after the other.
This group would interact on a national level with the Fisheries Unit, offering
advice and recommendation to the Minister as well as feeding to the Inshore
Fisheries Groups on national policy implications.
The WMFAG will also be closely linked to marine stakeholder structures and
the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing. The Fisheries Unit
will work closely with Marine Policy Branch, making sure cross cutting issues
are addressed by both stakeholder structures. This will ensure a joined up
approach to fisheries management and marine enforcement.
The Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) are to be based on 3 geographical
areas: the Bristol Channel in the south; Cardigan Bay in Mid Wales and North
of Llyn in North Wales or similar.
The purpose of the IFGs would be to represent local stand points and deal with
local issues. They could progress to devise management plans which would
allow for fisheries resources in their area to be exploited in a sustainable
manner in line with the Welsh Assembly Government’s goal of implementing
an ecosystem approach to fisheries. The management plans would be
developed by the IFG in consultation with Fisheries Unit, and then considered
by the WMFAG, which would either request that the IFGs make amendments
to the plans or approve them for submission to the Minister.
The Chair of the IFG will be nominated from within the membership of the IFG.
Ensuring that the Chair has the knowledge required as well as the respect and
a mandate from the group will be important.
It will be up to the IFG to work with Fisheries Unit on any legislation identified
in any management plans. The IFG will also be the voice of local fisheries
interests to the WMFAG and Fisheries Unit. IFGs will be responsible for coordinating
local responses to Welsh Assembly Government consultations.
Q1. What do you think about the proposed Wales Marine Fisheries Advisory Group and its role in fisheriesmanagement?
Q2. Do you think this division of boundaries for Inshore Fisheries Groups would be appropriate? If not, where do you think the boundaries should fall?
6
The IFGs could also act as a sounding board for fisheries policy. The Fisheries
Unit could seek local feedback from the IFGs on new policy initiatives.
It is proposed that membership of the 3 Inshore Fisheries Groups will be open
to all interested parties (local stakeholders - industry associations,
environmental groups etc) via correspondence. However a focused group with
a maximum of 20 members would attend meetings, feeding information back
to the wider membership and representing the views of the wider members in
IFG meetings.
Members could join more than one IFG if they had fishing interests that
spanned areas, however they could only be the Chair of one IFG at a time.
It is envisaged that these groups would initially meet on a quarterly basis.
It is clear from the structure diagram, and a necessity for the success of the
model that interaction between the WMFAG, IFGs and the Welsh Assembly
Government Fisheries Unit is a two way process ensuring the movement of
information and advice between the groups.
The Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries Unit will act as executive and
secretariat for the WMFAG, IFGs and any sub groups when convened. The
expanded Fisheries Unit made up of current staff and former SFC staff will
support the group in the areas of Science, Enforcement, Policy and Strategy
and draw upon legal guidance. Further additional scientific and technical
advice may be procured on an ad hoc basis should this expertise be required.
The Fisheries Unit will also provide a link to activities in England and in rivers
and estuaries, with strong relationships with Inshore Fisheries and
Conservation Authorities (IFCAs), Defra, the Marine Management
Organisation (MMO), the Environment Agency and Countryside Council for
Q3. What do you think about the roles of the proposed Inshore Fisheries Groups?Do you think they would be well placed to
develop, in consultation with WAG,local fisheries management plansincluding proposals for local legislation?
Q4. What do you think about our proposal for open membership of IFGs via correspondence with a focusedgroup attending
meetings? Do you think a membership of 20 people would be appropriate?
Q5. Do you think quarterly meetings will be sufficient?
7
Wales. The Fisheries Unit will work alongside Marine Branch on wider marine
issues utilising the Wales Coastal and Maritime Partnership (WCMP) where
appropriate.
Membership
We believe for practical reasons, that no group should hold a membership
greater than 20 people.
The suggested membership of the groups is as follows:
Wales Marine Fisheries Advisory Group
· Nominated representatives from the commercial fishing industry (for
example Welsh Federation of Fishermen’s Associations or Fishermen’s
Associations)
· Welsh Aquaculture Producers Association
· Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers
· Wales Coastal and Maritime Partnership
· Chairs of IFGs
· Sea Fish Industry Authority
· Wales Environment Link
· Countryside Council for Wales
· Environment Agency
· Welsh Local Government Association
· Other fisheries experts as required
Inshore Fisheries Groups (local representatives of)
· Fishermen’s Associations
· Independent fishermen
· Recreational angling
· Shell fishing
· Aquaculture
· CCW
· Environmental interests
· Local Authorities
· Local land owners
The Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries Unit officials would also sit on
each of these groups providing scientific, enforcement, policy and legal input
and secretariat services.
8
Reporting and monitoring
The Minister for Rural Affairs has made a commitment for Welsh Ministers to
report annually on the exercise of fisheries functions in order to maintain
transparency and openness in fisheries policy and management. The
Stakeholder Advisory Group has been tasked with developing reporting
requirements and informing the content of these annual reports.
The Stakeholder Advisory Group has suggested some broad principles for
reporting and monitoring, including:
· ensuring stakeholders have a better understanding of fisheries
management through an improved website;
· scrutinising the Welsh Assembly Government’s delivery of fisheries
functions; and
· measuring progress against the aims of the Wales Fisheries Strategy
and Implementation plans.
The new stakeholder input structure will play an important role. The IFGs will
be able to hold the Fisheries Unit and the Minister to account in ensuring that
local management plans are delivered. The WMFAG will be able to hold the
Fisheries Unit and the Minister to account in ensuring that the content of the
annual report is satisfactory, following the principles above.
Q6. What do you think about the suggested membership of the WMFAG and IFGs?
9
The closing date for this consultation is 26 February 2010.
We would be grateful if you could send your response either by email to:
Fisheries@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Or post to:
Fisheries Project Team
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
The Welsh Assembly Government intends to publish a summary of the
responses to this document. Normally, the name and address (or part of the
address) of its author are published along with the response, as this gives
credibility to the consultation exercise. If you do not wish to be identified as
the author of your response, please state this expressly in writing to us.
We greatly appreciate your time helping us to shape the future of fisheries
management in Wales.
Yours faithfully
Fisheries Project Team
Project to deliver a new fisheries management and marine enforcement
regime for Wales
Steve
Elin Jones AM, the Minister for Rural Affairs, announced in September 2008
that the Welsh Assembly Government would assume full responsibility for sea
fisheries management in Wales. This means that the staff and functions of the
South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee and the Welsh part of the North
Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee will be amalgamated with
the Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries Unit in April 2010.
The joint Committees of the Sea Fisheries Committees (SFCs) in Wales will
therefore be disbanded and the Welsh Assembly Government is looking at
how to replace this while building on its existing stakeholder groups. Retaining
and developing local and national stakeholder involvement in fisheries
management is a key aim of the project. The overarching aim is a partnership
approach to fisheries management and marine enforcement with a diverse
range of stakeholders fully engaged in policy development.
A Stakeholder Advisory Group was established which contained fisheries
representation (commercial, aquaculture and recreational), appointed
members of the Sea Fisheries Committees, Countryside Council for Wales,
Environment Agency, Wales Environment Link, Wales Coastal and Maritime
Partnership and the Welsh Local Government Association.
2
This group was tasked by the Minister with developing a new stakeholder input
framework which facilitated local and national input building on the work of the
SFCs. The group has met four times this year to develop this framework and
discuss options. The group looked at existing structures in the SFCs and in the
Scottish Government as well as proposed structures for Inshore Fisheries and
Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) in England. The group considered dividing
the stakeholder structure into species specific or sectoral groups, but in the
end agreed that regional Inshore Fishery Groups feeding into an overarching
Advisory Group would provide the best solution for Wales.
Scope of consultation
The Stakeholder Advisory Group has agreed the proposed model for
stakeholder input into fisheries management as set out below. The purpose of
this consultation is to seek wider public view on the practical details of how this
new structure will work.
3
Set out below is a stakeholder input model developed by the group. We now
seek your views on how this model may work.
Diagram 1
Minister for Rural
Affairs
Wales Marine Fisheries Advisory
Group
(WMFAG)
Sub-groups – Species advisory groups
as required Sectoral advisory groups
Technical Groups
Inshore fisheries Groups
Welsh Assembly GovernmentFisheries Unit
Providing executive and administrative function at all levels.
Enhanced Fisheries Unit (incorporating the former SFC staff) will provide –
Scientific, Enforcement, Policy and legal guidance and assistance. Further
additional scientific and technical advice may be procured on an ad hoc
basis should this expertise be required.
Minister for
Environment,
Sustainability and
Housing and
Marine Branch
SOUTH
IFG
MID
IFG
NORTH
IFG
4
Where will this structure sit in the context of existing fisheries
stakeholder engagement?
In Wales we already have a number of groups that input the views of
stakeholders to the Minister for Rural Affairs. However these groups all look at
different aspects of fisheries. The Wales Fisheries Strategy Group and its
implementation subgroups cover all forms of fisheries interests. The Strategy
groups are tasked with developing the future vision for fisheries in Wales
across the four sectors, commercial sea fisheries, inland fisheries, recreational
sea angling and aquaculture and ensuring the work is delivered to meet the
aims set out in the Strategy.
There is also a group called the Fisheries and Aquaculture Strategy Group
(FASG). This is a sectoral group within the Wales Agri-Food Partnership and
focuses on fish as a food commodity, rather than the management of fisheries.
The Environment Agency Wales has a fisheries group known as the Fisheries
Ecology and Recreation Advisory Committee (FERAC). This group’s remit is
inland recreational and commercial fishing for salmonids and freshwater
species.
All of these existing groups will continue alongside the new proposed
stakeholder input structure.
How will the groups in our framework interact?
The Wales Marine Fisheries Advisory Group (WMFAG) is to be made up of
senior representatives from national organisations, with the organisation
having the seat rather than specific members. The 3 main sea fisheries
sectors: commercial sea, recreational sea angling and aquaculture will be
represented by their national bodies/associations. Inland representation would
continue through existing channels. The Chairs of the 3 ‘Inshore Fisheries
Groups’ will also sit on the Group. Nature conservation and marine
environmental aspects will be represented by Wales Environment Link, the
Countryside Council for Wales, and Wales Coastal Maritime Partnership. The
Chair of the WMFAG will be a publically appointed paid position.
The WMFAG will directly advise the Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries
Unit and the Minister for Rural Affairs on national policy, developing action
plans and setting of objectives. There could possibly be an annual meeting
with the Minister to discuss progress against actions plans and to set the next
objectives.
The WMFAG will interact closely with the existing Wales Fisheries Strategy
Steering Group. There may be some overlap between these 2 groups in terms
of remit and membership, however, we believe it would be best to keep both
5
these groups existing side by side in the short term until roles, remit and
membership of the WMFAG are clearly defined. In terms of practicalities, the 2
groups could meet on the same day, one after the other.
This group would interact on a national level with the Fisheries Unit, offering
advice and recommendation to the Minister as well as feeding to the Inshore
Fisheries Groups on national policy implications.
The WMFAG will also be closely linked to marine stakeholder structures and
the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing. The Fisheries Unit
will work closely with Marine Policy Branch, making sure cross cutting issues
are addressed by both stakeholder structures. This will ensure a joined up
approach to fisheries management and marine enforcement.
The Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) are to be based on 3 geographical
areas: the Bristol Channel in the south; Cardigan Bay in Mid Wales and North
of Llyn in North Wales or similar.
The purpose of the IFGs would be to represent local stand points and deal with
local issues. They could progress to devise management plans which would
allow for fisheries resources in their area to be exploited in a sustainable
manner in line with the Welsh Assembly Government’s goal of implementing
an ecosystem approach to fisheries. The management plans would be
developed by the IFG in consultation with Fisheries Unit, and then considered
by the WMFAG, which would either request that the IFGs make amendments
to the plans or approve them for submission to the Minister.
The Chair of the IFG will be nominated from within the membership of the IFG.
Ensuring that the Chair has the knowledge required as well as the respect and
a mandate from the group will be important.
It will be up to the IFG to work with Fisheries Unit on any legislation identified
in any management plans. The IFG will also be the voice of local fisheries
interests to the WMFAG and Fisheries Unit. IFGs will be responsible for coordinating
local responses to Welsh Assembly Government consultations.
Q1. What do you think about the proposed Wales Marine Fisheries Advisory Group and its role in fisheriesmanagement?
Q2. Do you think this division of boundaries for Inshore Fisheries Groups would be appropriate? If not, where do you think the boundaries should fall?
6
The IFGs could also act as a sounding board for fisheries policy. The Fisheries
Unit could seek local feedback from the IFGs on new policy initiatives.
It is proposed that membership of the 3 Inshore Fisheries Groups will be open
to all interested parties (local stakeholders - industry associations,
environmental groups etc) via correspondence. However a focused group with
a maximum of 20 members would attend meetings, feeding information back
to the wider membership and representing the views of the wider members in
IFG meetings.
Members could join more than one IFG if they had fishing interests that
spanned areas, however they could only be the Chair of one IFG at a time.
It is envisaged that these groups would initially meet on a quarterly basis.
It is clear from the structure diagram, and a necessity for the success of the
model that interaction between the WMFAG, IFGs and the Welsh Assembly
Government Fisheries Unit is a two way process ensuring the movement of
information and advice between the groups.
The Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries Unit will act as executive and
secretariat for the WMFAG, IFGs and any sub groups when convened. The
expanded Fisheries Unit made up of current staff and former SFC staff will
support the group in the areas of Science, Enforcement, Policy and Strategy
and draw upon legal guidance. Further additional scientific and technical
advice may be procured on an ad hoc basis should this expertise be required.
The Fisheries Unit will also provide a link to activities in England and in rivers
and estuaries, with strong relationships with Inshore Fisheries and
Conservation Authorities (IFCAs), Defra, the Marine Management
Organisation (MMO), the Environment Agency and Countryside Council for
Q3. What do you think about the roles of the proposed Inshore Fisheries Groups?Do you think they would be well placed to
develop, in consultation with WAG,local fisheries management plansincluding proposals for local legislation?
Q4. What do you think about our proposal for open membership of IFGs via correspondence with a focusedgroup attending
meetings? Do you think a membership of 20 people would be appropriate?
Q5. Do you think quarterly meetings will be sufficient?
7
Wales. The Fisheries Unit will work alongside Marine Branch on wider marine
issues utilising the Wales Coastal and Maritime Partnership (WCMP) where
appropriate.
Membership
We believe for practical reasons, that no group should hold a membership
greater than 20 people.
The suggested membership of the groups is as follows:
Wales Marine Fisheries Advisory Group
· Nominated representatives from the commercial fishing industry (for
example Welsh Federation of Fishermen’s Associations or Fishermen’s
Associations)
· Welsh Aquaculture Producers Association
· Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers
· Wales Coastal and Maritime Partnership
· Chairs of IFGs
· Sea Fish Industry Authority
· Wales Environment Link
· Countryside Council for Wales
· Environment Agency
· Welsh Local Government Association
· Other fisheries experts as required
Inshore Fisheries Groups (local representatives of)
· Fishermen’s Associations
· Independent fishermen
· Recreational angling
· Shell fishing
· Aquaculture
· CCW
· Environmental interests
· Local Authorities
· Local land owners
The Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries Unit officials would also sit on
each of these groups providing scientific, enforcement, policy and legal input
and secretariat services.
8
Reporting and monitoring
The Minister for Rural Affairs has made a commitment for Welsh Ministers to
report annually on the exercise of fisheries functions in order to maintain
transparency and openness in fisheries policy and management. The
Stakeholder Advisory Group has been tasked with developing reporting
requirements and informing the content of these annual reports.
The Stakeholder Advisory Group has suggested some broad principles for
reporting and monitoring, including:
· ensuring stakeholders have a better understanding of fisheries
management through an improved website;
· scrutinising the Welsh Assembly Government’s delivery of fisheries
functions; and
· measuring progress against the aims of the Wales Fisheries Strategy
and Implementation plans.
The new stakeholder input structure will play an important role. The IFGs will
be able to hold the Fisheries Unit and the Minister to account in ensuring that
local management plans are delivered. The WMFAG will be able to hold the
Fisheries Unit and the Minister to account in ensuring that the content of the
annual report is satisfactory, following the principles above.
Q6. What do you think about the suggested membership of the WMFAG and IFGs?
9
The closing date for this consultation is 26 February 2010.
We would be grateful if you could send your response either by email to:
Fisheries@wales.gsi.gov.uk
Or post to:
Fisheries Project Team
Welsh Assembly Government
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
The Welsh Assembly Government intends to publish a summary of the
responses to this document. Normally, the name and address (or part of the
address) of its author are published along with the response, as this gives
credibility to the consultation exercise. If you do not wish to be identified as
the author of your response, please state this expressly in writing to us.
We greatly appreciate your time helping us to shape the future of fisheries
management in Wales.
Yours faithfully
Fisheries Project Team
Project to deliver a new fisheries management and marine enforcement
regime for Wales
