Ireland’s Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has launched a new three-year strategy to help the State’s sea fisheries and seafood sectors meet upcoming environmental regulations.
The sectors, which employ over 11,000 people, are worth a combined an estimated €850 million annually to the Irish economy. The independent regulator enforces the EU Common Fisheries Policy and sea-fisheries law generally and food safety law relating to fish and fishery products. Its mandate covers all fishing vessels operating within Ireland’s 200 mile limit, over 2,114 Irish registered fishing vessels wherever they operate and all seafood produced in Ireland’s 170 seafood processing companies.
“The SFPA, together with the Naval Services, have a significant role to play as we face into significant challenges in the coming years under the new Common Fisheries Policy,” said Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food, the Marine and Defence. “The introduction of the discards ban from 2015 will see many fundamental changes in fishing industry practice. These changes will lead to a sustainable industry and a secure future for fishermen and their families.”
“Robust confidence in an effective regulatory service plays a key role in maintaining that reputation and in ensuring fair and sustainable usage of a shared marine resource for which many compete,” added Susan Steele, chair, SFPA. “Good regulation is required to protect it and ensure fish for future generations as well as ensuring consumers worldwide can enjoy Irish seafood safely.”
The SFPA provides consultation, advisory and technical support services on matters of fisheries and seafood policy to the Minister for Agriculture, Food, the Marine and Defence. It also operates through a network of regional port offices situated at Ireland’s main fishery harbours - Castletownbere, Dingle, Dunmore East, Killybegs, Kilmore Quay and Howth. In conjunction with both national and international control partners.
The SFPA is also responsible for the effective implementation of seafood safety controls, which are centred on robust traceability systems for the protection of public health and consumer interests both at home and abroad. Its role includes the implementation of European hygiene package legislation as well as the inspection and health certification of export consignments, which are of critical importance to the development of a growing collection of valuable Third Country markets.
