The new templates, which are species specific, have been introduced to address the technological, environmental and legal issues that have come to the fore since the first licences were issued under the Fisheries (Amendment) Act, 1997. A new template for the accompanying foreshore licence has also been devised.
The new templates will be introduced as individual licences come up for renewal and as new licences are issued.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister said: "The new templates contain significant new terms and conditions which are designed to reflect the technical advances that have taken place in the industry and the enhanced environmental protection now required under EU and national legislation. They will form the basis for sustainable development of the industry and the creation of long-term jobs into the future."
Key new features of the licence templates include:
- a move to Standing Stock Biomass for finfish as the means of measuring production capacity at an aquaculture site;
- enhanced provisions on environmental monitoring;
- greater clarity on the requirements for operators in relation to operational conduct and monitoring;
- the possibility for the group-marking of sites for navigational purposes;
- specific provisions covering company registration/dissolution, tax certificates, payment of fees etc.
Information Seminars for industry are currently being rolled out by the Department.
