Framework for shellfisheries

Oliver Tully, BIM Inshore Fisheries Coordinator

Two milestones have been achieved this year in the progression towards sustainable management of shellfisheries, writes Oliver Tully, BIM’s Inshore Fisheries Development Co-ordinator

On February 11, the Marine Minister, Pat the Cope Gallagher, launched the Policy Framework for Shellfisheries, which identified the committee structures and processes to be used to manage shellfisheries.

On June 14, the Species Advisory Groups (SAGs) and the Inshore Fisheries Review Group (IFRG) had their inaugural meeting in Galway. This meeting brought together the Minister, civil servants from the Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources (DCMNR), the Marine Institute, BIM, scientists from the 3rd level sector and industry representatives.

Re-affirming commitment

Following the very positive inaugural meeting it can safely be said that the Irish shellfisheries sector now has a management framework within which to work. Integration of State services in shellfisheries and duly nominated representatives from industry under the umbrella of the policy initiative, gives real hope for future planning in the sector.

At the meeting, Minister Gallagher reaffirmed his commitment to the Framework and its committees by placing fishermen at the centre of the decision-making process.

“I look forward to receiving recommendations from the Species Advisory Groups (SAGs) that are based on good science,” he said, adding that the scientific process must be “wholly transparent”.

Very importantly, the Minister promised to implement recommendations coming from the SAGs “as effectively and efficiently as possible”.

The DCMNR also spoke in a very positive way about the process, and affirmed their commitment (as required by the Minister) to deliver what is expected from this framework with the help of all interested parties.

For many months the industry had been seeking assurance from the State that it would develop a cooperative management model for shellfisheries, and this was finally delivered at the meeting.

Pauline Simpson of the Lobster Management Advisory Group and representative of the lobster industry in the south east sought and received confirmation ‘from the floor’. “Yes, the Minister has directed us and we must and will deliver,” a department spokesperson said.

Issues of the day

The plenary session covered a range of issues, including:

  • framework structures
  • details on how the industry representatives were nominated
  • national policy guidelines for shellfisheries
  • the process of management planning and the role of industry in collecting scientific data.

Dr Adrain Linnane outlined the management structurefor lobsters in south Australia where a similar co-operative management process operates.

Delegates then met in the four separate SAGs (see below) to discuss issues of immediate relevance to their respective fisheries. Agreement on working procedures was seen as important, and will be developed and agreed prior to autumn meetings.

Next steps

The SAGs mandated scientists to report back in the autumn on the status of the main stocks, at which time they will begin drafting management plans for the main shellfisheries. These stock reports will assist the SAGs to make recommendations that are valid from a biological point of view.

Membership of the Species Advisory Groups

The SAGs are inclusive of all parties interested in and responsible for the sustainable development of shellfisheries. The industry members, chair, secretariat and scientists appointed to each group are listed below.

Lobster Advisory Group

Vera O Donovan (Secretary/Chair BIM)

Declan Nee (Secretary/Chair BIM)

Pauline Simpson (Industry south east)

Joe O’Regan (Industry, Cork)

Ger O Mahony (Industry, Kerry)

Geoff Magee (Industry, Clare)

Frank Flanagan (Industry, Galway)

Michael Kelly (Industry, NW Lobster LAC)

Manus Gallagher (Industry, NW Lobster LAC)

Oliver Tully (BIM, Scientist)

Crab Advisory Group

Owen Doyle (BIM, Secretary)

Ian lawler (BIM Chair)

Aiden Scallon (Industry, South East)

Ciaran O’Sullivan (Industry, Cork)

Edward Moore (Industry, Kerry)

Patrick O Donnell (Industry, NW Crab LAC)

Danny Farren (Industry, NW Crab LAC)

Sean O Donoghue (Industry, NW Crab LAC)

Hugh McBride (Industry, NW Crab LAC)

Martin Robinson (GMIT, Scientist)

 

Shrimp Advisory Group

Seamus Breathnach (BIM, Secretary)

Ian Lawler (BIM, Chair)

John O’Brien (Industry, Kerry)

John O Sullivan/John O’Shea (Industry, Cork)

Anthony O Dwyer (Industry, Cork)

Barry O Donovan (Industry, Cork)

Gearoid Codyre (Industry, Galway)

John Connolly (Industry, Galway)

Eoghan Kelly (NUIG, Scientist)

Mollusc Advisory Group

John Hickey (BIM?Secretary)

Ian Lawler (BIM, Chair)

Lawrence Doyle (Industry, Dundalk Cockle)

Mark Bates (Industry, Wexford Scallop)

Eugene Bates (Industry, Wexford Scallop)

Kevin Phillips (Industry, Dublin Razor clams)

James Doyle (Industry, Wicklow Whelk)

Paul Goff (Industry, Wicklow Whelk)

William Dwyer (Industry, Wexford Surf Clams)

Antonio Hervas (NUIG, Scientist)

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