CONFUSION, duplication and waste of resources within the State's marine management structure should be eradicated through a reorganisation of the central and regional fisheries boards and Bord Iascaigh Mhara, an unpublished study has recommended.
The study, commissioned by the previous government, proposed establishing a new commercial sea fisheries and aquaculture body, in place of BIM, and the transfer of fisheries training carried out by that board to FAS and regional technical colleges. The Department of the Marine also required additional resources to strengthen its role in policy analysis, programme evaluation and value for money appraisals, said the study conducted by Price Waterhouse.
Some of the study's other key recommendations appear to have been accepted by the Department of the Marine, as indicated in its strategy document published in early May. Other recommendations were echoed in the Fianna Fail marine policy, published during the general election, including establishment of a national fisheries council. However, several of the party's key commitments have been watered down in the new programme for government.
The consultants recommended that the Department of the Marine divest itself of its direct involvement in fishery harbour management, and play a hands off role in the research area, which should be left to the Marine Institute. The Salmon Research Agency in Co Mayo should also become part of the Marine Institute, the study said.
A new commercial sea fisheries and aquaculture body, which would have to be established under legislation, could take over the Department's management of fishery harbours on an interim basis, the study continued. The new body should be commercially focused and divest itself of current BIM functions, such as training and management of ice plants.
The consultants did not believe that all marketing and promotion functions should be transferred to An Bord Bia, given the specific needs relating to fish and fish products. Changes to BIM structures would have to include a review of overall staffing, to slim down numbers; production of a corporate plan; management development to allow for a much more structured approach to resource allocations and expenditure; and a programme of management and staff training.
However, inland fisheries posed the greatest challenge in relation to new arrangements, the consultants said. They noted that the present functions and powers at central and regional fisheries board level were difficult to make work in practice.
The study recommended a change in the composition of the Central Fisheries Board, to make for a tighter structure comprised of people with knowledge and expertise in inland fisheries; a change in the composition of regional fisheries boards to ensure adequate representation of all interests; and more accountability by the regional boards to the central authority. It also said that the Central Fisheries Board direct management of fish farms and fisheries should be discontinued.
In a preelection promise, Fianna Fail had recommended a major overhaul of the inland fisheries sector and establishment of a fisheries authority. However, these commitments were not earmarked as priorities in the programme for government agreed on June 20th with the Progressive Democrats.
