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Elin Jones |
THE Welsh Assembly Government has been given new powers over its fishing industry including fishing grounds half way across the Irish sea.
Although not yet on a par with the devolved Scottish Government, the Assembly has control that were held by a number of different London Whitehall departments and agencies, including restrictions on the amount and types of fish that can be caught, and on fishing methods.The assembly government will also take control of a small fleet of management boats and land vehicles. Environment Agency Wales will continue to manage migratory fish and estuaries. The South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee, the Welsh portion of the North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee and the Welsh Assembly Government Fisheries Unit have been amalgamated, creating one unit responsible for fisheries policy, management and marine enforcement. The area of water covered stretches as far as the median line border with the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man for the first time.
The area of water covered stretches as far as the median line border with the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man for the first time. Minister for Rural Affairs Elin Jones said: "Inshore fisheries are hugely important to communities in Wales; indeed they make up the majority of the Welsh industry, which is why increased Welsh Assembly Government control is so important. "The restructure is also an important step towards securing the aim of the Wales Fisheries Strategy of a sustainable, financially viable and effectively regulated fishing industry in Wales.
"The Sea Fisheries Committee officers have a wealth of experience and knowledge and will form an important part of the new team within the Welsh Assembly Government."
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