Fisheries Protection
One of the core functions of the South Western Regional Fisheries Board is
to protect and conserve fish and fisheries habitat within the Sout Western
Region which extends from Knockadoon Head, Co. Cork to Kerry Head, Co. Kerry
and from river base lines to 12 miles out to sea.
The following tasks are performed by SWRFB staff as part of their daily duties:
- Enforcing primary Fisheries Legislation including By Laws and Orders.
- Protecting fish species including Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout, Eels,
Coarse Fish and Sea Bass.
- Seizure of illegal fishing equipment, prosecution of offenders and court
duties.
- Enforcing the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging (Quota) Scheme Regulations,
for both commercial and recreational fisheries (amended annually according
to district quota allocation). This also entails inspection of commercial
salmon outlets, hotels and restaurants etc.
- Enforcement of pike angling and commercial eel regulations.
- Participation in cross-functional duties which include assisting SWRFB
/ CFB research and Marine Institute development sections as required.
- Monitoring and investigation of potential sources of pollution including
farm surveys, sampling and assessment of proposed development/infrastructural
projects for any potential impact upon the fisheries resource. This entails
close involvement with the Board’s Fisheries Environmental Officers (FEO's).
- Mobile and Foot Patrols of rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters.
- Coastal protection duties are carried out using the Regional Fisheries
Boards Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB's)
- In conjunction with staff from the other Fisheries Boards, SWRFB staff
participate in Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and Naval fishery protection patrols.
- Staff participate in aerial surveillance of fisheries activity and terrestrial
surveys in conjunction with the Air Corps.
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