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SFPA - Annual Report and Accounts 1999-2000

THE WIDER PICTURE - LEGISLATION, MONITORING AND LIAISON

"...a substantial community of interest between the guardians of the fishery and those who exploit its economic potential."

"...55 out of 62 cases completed in Court resulted in successful prosecution."

The Agency has maintained and developed close contacts with other authorities in the European Union and Third Countries responsible for fisheries law enforcement in waters adjacent to British Fishery Limits. These have led to significant and productive developments in enforcement activity during the year. Liaisons with other UK government departments have also been consolidated.

Legislation

John Burns Head Of Enforcement
Policy And Procedures Discussing
The Logbook Regulations With Philip
Galbraith, Enforcement Policy Manager

During the course of the year the Agency was represented in Brussels at meetings between Member States and the European Commission which finalised details on implementation of a satellite based system to monitor fishing vessel activity. This system came into effect for vessels of over 24 metres overall length on 1st January 2000.

The Agency's Satellite Monitoring Operations Group (SMOG) has overseen the development of this system and provided fishing vessel owners with detailed advice on the requirements to be met under the satellite monitoring regulations.

Agency staff, as part of the UK delegation, attended meetings of the Internal Fisheries Group in Brussels to discuss European Commission proposals to amend Council Regulation No 850/98 (Conservation Regulation) for introducing new measures for the enforcement of minimum mesh sizes. The amended regulation was adopted in June 1999 and the Conservation Regulation as a whole came into force on 1 January 2000.

force on 1 July 1999 and 1 January 2000. In addition, discussions were resumed on the revision of the logbook rules for which the European Commission is expected to put forward proposals for a new regulation during the second half of 2000.

Detailed guidance on the new technical conservation rules and those associated with amendments to the Control Regulation were provided to the industry.

Norman Fletcher, Senior
Fishery Officer
Checking The Fish Hold

On-Going Liaison

During 1999/2000 a number of staff exchanges took place between the Agency and other neighbouring enforcement authorities. SPFA officers visited inspectorates in Holland, Denmark, Norway, The Faeroes and the Republic of Ireland.

The exchange of relevant information with these bodies is making a most effective contribution to the achievement of the long term common goal - the conservation of fishing stocks for sustainable fishing.

With Other Government Departments

In addition to rendering assistance to fishing vessels by way of towage, salvage and first aid, ships of the patrol fleet have operated in support of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency for search and rescue operations, local authorities in the exercise of their contingency plans for disaster relief such as fire fighting, and other public service agencies.

The Agency's aircraft are also involved in operations with other government departments such as the Department of Trade and Industry for oil rig security purposes.

Chief Executive Paul Du Vivier,
Director Of Corporate Strategy,
John Roddin And Director Of Operations
Bob Walker Experience The Work Of The
Norwegian Coastguard