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394/03

24 September 2003
 

DEFRA TO REVIEW MARINE FISHERIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT ARRANGEMENTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES

UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw today announced that the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is to review marine fisheries and environmental enforcement arrangements in England and Wales.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the Association of Sea Fisheries Committees of England and Wales, Mr Bradshaw said:

"Enforcement is one of the ways we can work towards a sustainable and viable fishing industry and marine environment for future generations. The work of this review will be vitally important in informing how we carry out this work in the future.

"This review will examine the arrangements for marine enforcement and other tasks currently undertaken in England and Wales by the Sea Fisheries Inspectorate, Sea Fisheries Committees and other agencies.

"I will also expect the review to make recommendations on the future organisation and structure of enforcement activities in light of anticipated fisheries and environmental requirements."

The review will take account of recommendations in the National Audit Office Report on Fisheries Enforcement in England and (when available) the response of the Public Accounts Committee to that report, along with the report of the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit which is due later this year.

The first stage of the review will analyse the range of current and potential tasks, including:

  • Identifying all the enforcement and related activities which arise from EU and national legislation;
  • Describing the relationship between fisheries and environmental responsibilities in the light of current initiatives such as the review of marine nature conservation;
  • Describing the enforcement and management activities undertaken in relation to both fisheries and wider marine environmental responsibilities by fisheries and other organisations, including resources, budgetary costs and financing arrangements; and
  • Identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the present arrangements which will need to be addressed in the review of models of delivery.

    The second stage will consider the different options for delivery, including the range of tasks to be carried out, and how and where they should be located and managed. Consideration of the options and appropriate delivery methods for Wales will be matters for the Welsh Assembly government.

    Interested organisations will be invited to contribute to the review by an extensive consultation process.

    The review is expected to report by 31 March, 2004.

     

    Notes for editors

    1. The review will report to UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw and Welsh Assembly Minister for Environment, Planning and Countryside Carwyn Jones.

    2. Further information on the review will be placed in the fisheries section of the Defra website shortly: www.defra.gov.uk/fish/fishindx.htm

    3. A further more detailed request for comments will be sent out shortly.

    4. Meanwhile, comments on both the scope and content of the review should be sent to:


    James Bradley
    Fisheries Enforcement Review
    Fisheries
    Room 6
    Whitehall Place East
    London
    SW1A 2HH
    Email: James.Bradley@defra.gsi.gov.uk
    Comments by 30 November, 2003.

    Public Enquiries: 08459 335577

    Press Notices available via Defra website

    http://www.defra.gov.uk

    Defra's aim is sustainable development

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