74th MEETING OF THE FOYLE CARLINGFORD AND IRISH LIGHTS COMMISSION

Wednesday 2nd May 2012 @ 11am

Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh

Attendees

Present Winston Patterson (Chairman) Alan McCulla (Vice Chair) Andrew Duncan Donal Tipping Jim Wilson Joe Miller Michael McCormick Phil Mahon Seamus Rodgers Tarlach O’Crosain Theresa McLaverty

In Attendance - Loughs Agency John Pollock – Director of Corporate Services John McCartney – Director of Conservation and Protection Barry Fox – Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries Laura McCready (Minutes)

1. Apologies

Thomas Sloan Derick Anderson – CEO

2. Conflict of Interest

There were no conflicts of interest with any agenda items.

3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as an accurate record.

Proposed Alan McCulla Seconded Tarlach O’Crosain

4. Reserved Minutes

The reserved minutes were agreed by all.

Proposed Alan McCulla Seconded Tarlach O’Crosain

5. Matters Arising

There were no matters arising from the previous meeting.

6. CEO Report

Chairman advised the Board that the CEO was unavailable to attend the meeting and asked John Pollock to update the Board on any issues that may have been brought up by the CEO.

John Pollock advised that since the last Board Meeting two members of staff had been seriously assaulted whilst on routine patrol. The first Fishery Officer Kris Kennedy received a broken nose on Bridge on 28th March 2012 and on 30th April 2012 Fishery Officer Donal Lynch was also assaulted receiving serious facial injuries, both members of staff remain on sick leave.

All Board Members expressed their great concerns in relation to the ongoing attacks on staff and asked that their best wishes be passed to Fishery Officers Kennedy and Lynch for a speedy recover.

Tarlach O’Crosain expressed his concern at the inadequate response of An Garda Siochána in dealing with the assault on Fishery Officer Kris Kennedy and asked that this was reported to the Superintendent in Lifford or Letterkenny Garda Station. John McCartney advised that this had already been highlighted.

Andrew Duncan stated that as it seemed to be the same area and individuals causing the problems and asked if all necessary controls were in place to protect Agency staff or was there anything else that Board Members could do to increase staff protection. John McCartney advised that staff are provided with all necessary equipment and with current cuts in budgets the Agency were doing as best they could with cuts to temporary seasonal staff.

Vice Chairman expressed his grave concerns about staff receiving head injuries. He added that it has been well over one year since these attacked were first reported to the Board and they seemed to be more frequent and violent.

Theresa McLaverty also expressed her concern and stated that in her opinion the Board needed to look at their role as duty of care to protection staff who should not have to work in these conditions. Barry Fox advised that he had previously been a Fishery Officer and acts of violence on staff was a long standing problem and although unacceptable it had always been a part of the job that Fishery Officer dealt with.

7. Directors Report

The Board were provided with updates from the Senior Management Team each giving a brief overview on their respective areas.

Conservation and Protection

John McCartney, Director of Conservation and Protection provided the Board with the following report:

Angling effort in Foyle has picked up considerably with the opening of the Mourne catchment, however the year has begun very badly with 2 Fishery Officers being seriously assaulted while on anti poaching duties at Lifford. The Fishery Officers were hospitalised and remain on sick leave.

Salmon poaching has continued to be a significant drain on resources with a very high level of activity for this time of year.

Some of last year’s illegal angling cases have come before the courts both in Foyle and Carlingford and have attracted fines of between £50 and £150.

Consultations There are no current consultations ongoing within the Conservation and Protection Directorate but a number of Regulatory changes are in advanced stages of development. The current Regulation Implementation table is attached.

Health and Safety As discussed earlier there has been two serious incidents with two members of staff being assaulted, in addition there has been one other minor accident recorded in the accident book.

Comparative Fish Counts

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 April April April April April April April April Faughan 79 38 191 258 -31 -16 47 6 Finn 308 357 672 128 155 98 182 41 Sion Mills 8 1126 1173 109 883 70 394 189 Roe 37 346 567 108 36 -6 139 -130 Corrick 20 0 144 43 1 4 - - Newry Not Not Not available available available 74 12 87 19 3 Omagh Not Not Not available available available 36 17 38 -1 -2

Enforcement Actions In 2012 so far, Agency staff have dealt with 7 rod related offences, and seizures. Agency protection staff also seized 31 illegal nets, 5 boats as well as various other items listed below. Staff have dealt with 8 pollution incidents, and taken 2 sets of statutory samples.

Other seized items;

• Pulley System: Black cable, 200meters long • Winchester hunting Knife • Black handled knife • Hammer and ball of chord • One long line with yellow float and baited with roach • 7 assorted fishing floats • 5 assorted fishing lures and attached hooks and lead weights • Priest, gloves, lead wrapping • Pulley system • Two pound lump hammer wrapped in blue cord. • One 0.5 Kilo Avery weight attached to cord • Net Grab • Kitchen Knife • Net Box Environment Pollution incidents are slightly reduced for this time of year, however the potential for silage effluent pollution continues to be a significant threat to juvenile stocks.

There have been issues with start up and commissioning of hydro electric schemes and the effect of dewatering of rivers and weirs. This is of significant concerns at this time of year when salmon smolts are beginning to move. Loughs Agency have formally contacted Environment Agency in relation to the Omagh Hydro scheme run by Omagh District Council and are still awaiting a response. As far as the Agency is aware the scheme is currently not operating pending an outcome from Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

John McCartney advised the Board that following some significant debate he had drafted 2 documents for internal consultation to consolidate angling Regulations. John added that part of these Regulations suggest reducing the number of tags issued to anglers and increasing the price of an angling licensing to being the Agency in line with the rest of Ireland.

Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Barry Fox, Director of Aquaculture and Shellfishes provided the Board with the following report:

Native Oyster Survey The spring native oyster survey was completed at the end of April. There has been little evidence so far of any unusual mortality in the stock however some fresh mortality has been recorded on the bottom of the Southside Bed.

Figure 1. Map showing oyster areas in

There is still good signs of juvenile oysters on many of the beds and this gives hope that the spat falls in 2011 and 2012 have survived. As expected at this time of the year there is evidence of large scale removal of adult oysters (>80mm) during the fishing season and we are assessing the size of the stock that should be available to next year’s fishery in September 2012. The landings figures from the current season match up well with the tonnage predicted in the Agency’s autumn 2012 survey.

The Marine Scientist and Aquaculture and Shellfish Officer attended a native oyster restoration workshop in London on the 26th March. The report from both staff indicated that it was not only a good networking event but was very worthwhile in that it was identified that currently there is not a best practice model for restoration works within oyster fisheries. However our attendance has provided examples of projects that have been successful in the past and it is anticipated that IBIS project work alongside the Agency’s expertise and links with other development agencies will provide opportunities to develop the oyster fishery in Lough Foyle.

Oyster Spawning Assessment The Agency will conduct a follow up spawning assessment survey in Lough Foyle in the native oyster populations to assess the spawning rates of various sized oysters on a selection of beds using the MMV Ostrea during the summer period. This work will help to confirm that oysters remaining in the fishery after the close of the commercial season in the springtime are of an adequate size to retain a continuous spawning stock biomass through the summer breeding season.

Shellfish Hygiene Survey Shellfish Hygiene sampling continues to run relatively smoothly. There have been concerns with regards to the keep box deployed at Site M4 on Lough Foyle (Figure 2). These concerns have been confirmed after an uncharacteristic Class C result from the site.

The levels of E. coli in shellfish flesh dictate the processes which shellfish undergo before reaching the consumer market. If levels are below 230 E. coli per 100 g of shellfish flesh (Class A) then the shellfish may go direct for human consumption. If levels are below 4 600 E. coli per 100 g of flesh (Class B) then the shellfish must be subject to purification by relaying in a Class A area or cooking by an approved method. If levels are below 46 000 E. coli per 100 g of flesh (Class C) then shellfish must be relayed for at least two months or cooked by an approved method. Above 46 000 E. coli per 100 g shellfish harvesting will not be permitted. Lough Foyle is Classified Class B overall and normally all sites fluctuate between Class A and Class B.

At the last sampling event samples were collected from both dredged mussels and the keep box for comparison. Results are not yet back from this sampling event. Some suggestions for alleviating these concerns have been; to raise the keep box off the seabed to reduce sedimentation or to use a suspended keep bag instead of the box. These suggestions are being explored.

Figure 2. Map showing the location of shellfish hygiene sampling sites in Lough Foyle. Circle shows M4.

Appropriate Assessment Bird Surveys The Appropriate assessment bird surveys are continuing on Carlingford Lough with one survey at high tide and one survey at low tide at each site each month. The IBIS project has funded a taught Masters Student Carrie Craven to work on this project with the Aquaculture and Shellfish Officer as part of her MSc. Carrie will investigate how shore based aquaculture affects bird densities and assemblages on the shore of Carlingford Lough. Her project will run from April 2012 until August 2012 and will run concurrently with the existing Loughs Agency survey. In addition to the work on Carlingford Lough we have also begun the process of site selection and habitat surveying of potential sites on Lough Foyle. Five sites have so far been selected on the ROI shore of Lough Foyle. Carrie is also helping with this work so as to boost her knowledge of project planning and initiation.

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification The Marine Stewardship Council Certification Programme is run by The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). MSC is a global, independent organisation which operates a programme of certification in order to promote well-managed fisheries. This programme of certification is the world’s leading, independent, international fishery certification and eco-labelling programme.

The consumer market is leaning towards a preference for sustainably sourced produce and as such the acquisition of MSC certification may provide an edge in the marketplace. The state of fish stocks and the impact of fisheries on the marine environment are major factors in determining seafood consumption trends. MSC certification allows fisheries to prove that they fish in a sustainable manner. The essence of the MSC standard is that:

• the stock is harvested sustainably • the stock is harvested with low impact on the ecosystem • the stock is harvested using a good management system that is likely to respond to changing circumstances and problems as they occur

Attainment of the MSC certification demonstrates to consumers as well as NGO’s and stakeholders that management regimes are sufficiently robust enough to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

Discussion has arisen about the possibility of undertaking MSC Certification for the Lough Foyle Native Oyster Fishery. Clare Murray and Peter Marshall from Global Trust visited the Carlingford office on 6th April to give an introduction to Global Trust and the process of MSC Certification. The presentation was highly interesting and thought provoking. The next step is for the Marine Biologist to gather all the information currently held by Loughs Agency so that it can be ascertained precisely what would be needed in a pre-assessment should we decide to move forward with the MSC process.

LIFE+ Pathways Project The Shellfish and Aquaculture Directorate is currently compiling a Business Case for Loughs Agency involvement in the LIFE + Pathways Project at €10, 000 per annum for 2013 to 2015 inclusive.

The Life+ Pathways Project is an externally funded bid to control the spread of marine Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) in the UK and Ireland by managing their pathways of spread. The proposal has been developed by members of the GB Didemnum vexillum (a type of invasive sea squirt known as the Carpet Sea Squirt) working group, following the decision of the group that pathway management was critical to the response to Didemnum vexillum and other marine non-native species. This proposal takes into account and builds upon existing initiatives already being developed, examples include Marine Aliens project, Defra funded research into biosecurity, Defra funded research into pathway management of Ponto-Caspian (mainly freshwater) species, the Non-Native Species Information Portal, the Green Blue environmental awareness programme, the intentions of SAGB to develop an aquaculture code of practice for non-native species and other species specific work underway in GB and Ireland.

The project aims to reduce the risk posed to native marine biodiversity and marine industries from invasive non-native species by:

• Reducing the introduction and spread of INNS in ecologically sensitive areas through improved biosecurity. • Improving communication with key stakeholders in priority areas to raise awareness, achieve behaviour change and encourage early detection and rapid reporting. • Improving our ability and capacity to rapidly respond to new non-native species threats in the marine environment. • Delivering innovative demonstration projects relating to improved bio-security and rapid response.

Stakeholders expected to be included within this project are: recreational boating sector, marina and port operators, aquaculture and fishing sectors, shipping sector, those undertaking ship recycling and marine relevant NGOs.

Management Agreement The Agency has received correspondence from the Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food following a letter issued to the Department by the Agency (see letter attached to report). The Officials have committed to a meeting by mid may to discuss any issues and a way forward for the delivery of the management agreement. The Agency made attempts to have a meeting with the Department prior to this board meeting but the officials could not facilitate this due to a requirement for internal meetings prior to meeting with the Agency.

Teresa McLaverty advised Barry that she was due to attend a meeting on 11th May 2012 and asked Barry to forward her a short briefing and she would raise the issue at her meeting.

Bonamia Ostreae Infection in Lough Foyle The Agency continues to monitor oyster beds in Lough Foyle to identify the extent of the spread of Bonamia. Monthly samples are being taken to monitor infection levels. This is being done collaboratively with University College Cork. The first quarter of 2012 has not identified any significant mortality in the fishery. This is cautiously viewed as a positive sign.

Theresa McLaverty highlighted to Barry that his report in relation to oysters focused on the Foyle area and not the Carlingford area. Barry advised that Loughs Agency do not have a management role in the Carlingford area as yet.

Corporate Services

John Pollock, Director of Corporate Services provided the Board with the following report:

Financial Statements & Audit The Financial Statements for the period ending 31st December 2011 were submitted as scheduled on 31st March 2012 for audit and certification to the Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland and the Irish Comptroller and Auditor General and any recommendations from the audit will be brought forward to a future Board and Audit subcommittee meeting.

The annual internal audit is still ongoing with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Internal Audit taking the lead, their recommendations will be brought forward to a future Board and Audit subcommittee meeting.

The next date scheduled for the Audit Sub Committee meeting is 30th May 2012. Finance Expenditure for the first quarter of 2012 was as profiled on target and enclosed in the Board papers is a summary of expenditure to date against the budget profile.

North South Ministerial Council The next North South Ministerial Council Sectoral is scheduled for 4th July 2012, this clashes with the Board meeting that was scheduled for the same day the board are asked to agree an alternative date for the Board meeting.

Staffing The process to fill the vacancy of the Director of Development is underway and as part of this process the Agency has to procure the services of an independent recruiter. We will also need Board member(s) to sit on the interview panel.

Also the process has commenced to fill the position for Interreg Project Support Officer

Advisory Forum The Agency together with the Irish Public Appointments Service are developing the process to recruit the 3rd Foyle and Carlingford Advisory Forum. An application form is being developed and it is hoped that the recruitment will be complete by the summer.

Website The Agency’s newly designed website is scheduled to go live at the end of April 2012.

Riverwatch Total Visitors: 3,092 (99 visitors short on same time last year). Total groups: 24 to Riverwatch + 35 Outreach = 59 (3 up on same time last year)

Riverwatch has been busy working with various schools during March and April. We have completed our Trout in the Classroom project with great success seeing 9 schools through the project and their trout releases in early March.

St Cecilia’s College Throughout March and April and we have also been working with St Cecilia’s on their BTEC studies. Over the last six years we have facilitated fact finding field trips for year 11 and year 12 from St Cecilia’s. The field trips this year were to study environmental damage on a local river by visiting two sites on the one river (Glenmornan). One site above the town of Artigarvan and one site below the town. We have also taken the same groups on a visit to three different habitats in order to allow them to compare different physical conditions, flora, fauna and the interdependence of the wild life within these habitats. We visited Enagh Lough, Castle River and the Lough shore at Eglinton bank. As with the previous years the visits to these sites has been a great success and we are expecting the girls from each group to achieve a high grades toward achieving their BTEC qualifications in Science.

St Mary’s College At the end of March and beginning of April we worked with six year nine classes from St Marys College. Two of the groups took part in our new Foyle Safari programme that involved canoeing down the and studying the salinity, Ph, dissolved oxygen of the water in the Foyle at different depths at three or four sites. We also did a wildlife survey and took in sites along the way to reveal the history of the Foyle as we went. Two of the six groups took part in a river study of the Glenmornan river in Tyrone. We visited four sites and surveyed the sites looking at the biology and geography of the river. The girls recorded their findings and we were able to compare the features of the river at the four different locations. These trips were to show how the river changes from its source to its mouth. With the last two groups we did habitat studies of Enagh Lough, the Castle River and the Lough shore at Eglinton bank. All six groups visited with us in the morning and were shown the Riverwatch centre and treated to a dissection demonstration of a salmon were they learned about the anatomy, lifecycle and adaptations of the fish. All in all this project was a great success.

Primary & Community We have also worked with a number of schools and community groups visiting our centre including the Model Primary school in / Londonderry and with different Beaver and Cub Scout groups. We facilitated an evening visit with the Presbyterian Synod of Irelands green team where a group of gentlemen were shown the inner workings of the Loughs agency and took part in discussions on the different environmental issues affecting the Foyle and Carlingford systems. Our Education staff are working with Derry City Council in the development of a Clipper education pack for local schools.

Development

As the Director of Developments post was vacant, John Pollock provided the Board with the following short report from the Development staff:

Clipper 2012 Clipper is the second biggest round the world yacht race. It will arrive in the Foyle at the end of June 2012.

Loughs Agency contribution to this event has been significant. It has included loan of the Loughs Agency Temporary Boat Haven (11 x large pontoons). In addition, the Agency will make available crewed safety boats over the period of the event and will deliver Sail in the City, an opportunity for people to experience sailing on board Ocean Youth Trust Ireland (OYTI) yachts. The Loughs Agency was the lead partner in the Interreg funded Marine Event Platform and Cruise Ship Quay which will be heavily used during Clipper.

RYA Sail Training Centre The Agency and OYTI has commenced delivery of assistant instructor (dinghy) courses, aspiring to develop local sail training capacity in the Foyle area. There are a range of people taking part in the courses – from sailing club members to those from non- sailing backgrounds and from amateur interest to those with intentions to offer sailing in a private capacity.

Paddlefest Over 100 paddlers from across Ireland (North and South) - plus some Welsh and Germans – attended Paddlefest in Moville over the weekend 23-25 March 2012. Canoe Association Northern Ireland (CANI) were persuaded by Loughs Agency funding intervention to move this festival into the community – from their usual venue of activity centres. This proved an out of season boost to businesses in Inishowen with economic benefit for the fully booked hotel in Moville, the chip shop in Greencastle and local pubs, shops and cafes.

Tarlach O’Crosain represented the Board of Loughs Agency and offered a welcome to paddlers coming to the ‘least known, best part of Ireland’, assuring them they would have a wonderful time. By all accounts, this was the case in respect of paddling and hospitality.

Canoe and Kayak Trail Guides The East Inishowen Sea Kayak Trail guide was launched at Paddlefest. Many experienced sea kayakers undertook sections of the trail over the weekend.

The sea kayak guide book was well received by the large number of experienced kayakers from across Ireland who attended Paddlefest. After trying out parts of the trail, there were many favourable comments on the innovative inclusion of navigation charts and the useful notes on each section of the trail, not to mention stunning photography by local man Gardiner Mitchell.

The standard of paddling opportunities available in Inishowen and the Foyle was vouched for by no less a “celebrity paddler” than Olly Sanders from Wales. Familiar with leading expeditions to Alaska and Greenland, Olly was justly impressed by his paddle around Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point (guided by Moville based Just Kayak’s Adrian Harkin).

Mourne Coastal Route Work continues with Northern Ireland Toirust Board (NITB) and Newry and Mourne District Council on projects related to the Mourne Coastal Route. By the summer of 2012, five visitor parking areas will have been enhanced along the Mourne Coastal Route between Kilkeel and Newry – Whitewater Bridge, Mill Bay, Ross Monument, Narrow Water and Donaghaguy. These projects form part of the NITB signature project strategy.

Omeath - Works To Improve Ambience Of Shore Area Discussions continue with Louth County Council and Omeath, Tidy towns to develop visitor access and seashore ambience in Omeath.

Sustainable Development Fund The Agency financial assistance policy has been launched. The first round, as recently approved by the Board, relates to support of up to £1,000 for events. A second round will call for applications for other capital investment in Marine Tourism and Angling Development themes will be launched in early May 2012.

Disabled Access to Water A number of Loughs Agency (implemented or inspired) projects have completed (or are about to complete) that have a direct benefit for disabled people wishing to access the River Foyle. The new city centre pontoon will incorporate a hoist to permit access to boats for disabled people and there will also be a Disability Discrimination Act compliant toilet and shower block on the pontoon. Disabled parking bays have been marked out at the top of the public slipway and at the top of the ramp to the boathouse at . The bird hide at Pennyburn incorporates a viewing space for a wheelchair user.

Angling Season So Far The angling season continues to improve as the season progresses and more rivers open. Salmon catch numbers from the Mourne system again this season are positive with regular catches from the lower catchment. From Sion Mills waters J McLoughlin had a 6lbs fish from Purgatory on the fly and J Tinney had a fish around 11lbs from Higgins Stream. Nigel and Travis Gough both hooked a salmon below Higgins Stream. Nigel landed and returned a near perfect 10lbs sea liced fish on the fly while Travis was unlucky and lost a better fish after a 10min battle. Andy Patton also landed a fish of 10lbs as did J Winters. On Sunday Past Gary Wolfe landed another fish of 10lbs+ from the Gravenue.

From & Lifford Anglers waters there was another fish landed but details are sketchy. Total for the opening days on the Mourne are approximately 15 salmon with a few more lost and others seen.

On the Finn system again reports are relatively good as we reach the peak time for spring salmon, approximately 20 Salmon have been caught and released so far and we view this as good with the much reduced numbers of anglers on the Finn. The numbers of catches and anglers increase as the season progresses as we have a greater number of visiting anglers attracted towards the Finn’s excellent fly fishing beats on the upper sections.

River Faughan has got off to a great start with five salmon caught on the tidal sections and one hooked and lost on the mid sections of the river.

Conditions for salmon anglers on the Foyle system look attractive with plenty of rain forecast, and we look forward to a positive start to season on all our rivers. Carlingford rivers will start to fish better much later in the season as the sea trout and salmon run Carlingford rivers much later than the Foyle rivers.

Wheelie Boat Loughs Agency has taken delivery of its new Wheelie Boat specifically designed for wheel chair users and it is currently undergoing final fit out. We plan to invite disabled anglers and others to the launch in May at two locations one in Foyle with (Moorlough, Co Tyrone) and one in Carlingford (Camlough Lake, Co Louth). Board members will be advised of the date and time of these events should they wish to attend.

Experience World Fishing Germany Loughs Agency attended the recent Experience World Fishing (EWF) Angling Promotional Show in Furstenfeld, Munich, Germany on 21st & 22nd April for the second time and again we found this show a must in the series of promotional activities we carry out during the year promoting our angling product often equal to the other promoters in many respects and on occasions better.

Scotland has a long history of quality Salmon angling and had again this year three of its top Angling Guides Gary Scott, Ian Gordon and Eoin Fairgrave giving casting demos and offering guided fishing highlighting the potential market at the EWF.

Inland Fisheries Ireland & ’s (Wild Side Fishing) Andrew Hogg also attended this show and like the Agency found the EWF of a high quality with a lot of interest from the visitors.

During the two day show visitors to Loughs Agency exhibition stand were questioned on their past fishing trips and not one have ever visited or catchments, mainly because they had little or no knowledge of Loughs Agency’s fishing and what we had to offer. This show is a great opportunity for German anglers in particular to meet Loughs Agency face to face and explore the possibilities of a fishing experience within our catchments.

New Angling Club The Agency has recently been involved in supporting the establishment of a new Angling Club in Fintona, Co Tyrone (Finore Angling Club) and we are very pleased with the outcome of our involvement particularly on the conservation front.

This club will enforce a total catch and release rule for salmon and have also reduced the daily trout bag limit from 4 to 2 as well as curtailing the open season from 1st April to 1st May in order to help protect salmon smolts on their seaward journey.

The new Finore Angling Club has also committed to make day tickets available and encourage visitors to the region. The club have already created a package with one of the local accommodation provider’s Kilcootry Barn Self Catering. Kilcootry Barn is one of the packages Loughs Agency promoted at the recent promotional show in Germany.

Loughmacrory Unique Stocking Policy Loughmacrory Angling Club became a club last year and was formed out of the existing Loughmacrory Development Association members with a particular interest in angling. The new members wanted to develop a fishery that would be attractive and of a quality that would support junior and disabled anglers as well as offering a quality fishery for all.

Loughmacrory has a resident population of wild brown trout that tend to be small in size and few in numbers and would prove hard to catch and of a quality unattractive to junior anglers in particular, and existing anglers felt wild fish were been over exploited by existing anglers and could become almost extinct.

Loughmacrory Angling Club proposed stocking the Lough with triploid rainbow trout and introduces a total catch and release policy for all wild trout caught by anglers on the Lough. With a decent population of stocked triploid rainbow trout in the Lough catch rates would become high and the club could host introduction to angling events for juniors, disabled and others anglers as well as developing a fishery that could attract visitors and provide a regular fishing venue for club members as angler numbers increased on the lough.

Northern Ireland Water (NIW) owns the fishing rights on Loughmacrory and currently leases these rights to the Loughmacrory Development Association therefore any activities on the Lough require their agreement.

Loughmacrory is within one of our catchments Area of Special Scientific Interest and therefore requires agreement from Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) on any activities on this Lough

Loughs Agency have been strategically involved with putting together an agreed stocking policy, for Loughmacrory Lake on the outskirts of Omagh. We have managed to get all the stakeholders to sign up to an agreed stocking policy for the Lough with all the relevant matters addressed.

On the 2nd April Loughs Agency, NIEA, NIW, Loughmacrory Angling Club and development association all signed the policy before witnessing the stocking of 120 triploid rainbow trout into the Lough. All the stakeholders will be meeting regularly keeping each other informed on relevant matters and possible amendments to present stocking program.

8. MMV Ostrea Update

Barry Fox advised Members will find in their papers a report detailing the operations of the MMV Ostrea since 1st February 2012. Members are asked to consider this information and advise what further information they require.

The Ostrea carried out 23 sampling/surveying days between 1st February and 30th April 2012. In addition to the sampling time routine maintenance and safety checks were carried out. Line throwing apparatus was serviced and machinery tests were carried out in April. The vessel risk assessment was also updated during April. New flares, smoke cans, MOB indicator and first aid kits have all been placed onboard.

A new spotlight has also been fitted to aid in locating store boxes and avoiding crab gear and enhance crew safety whilst working at night.

The Agency’s Monitoring Officer is ensuring that all checks and maintenance schedules are being adhered to as can be seen from the update supplied to the Board. The vessel is provisionally booked to be slipped in late May 2012 in Kilkeel Harbour and will tie in with the mussel seed survey in Carlingford. The slipping of the vessel is done annually as part of the vessels maintenance schedule. Works to be completed at this time include hull cleaning, antifouling application, fitting new props, general repairs and inspections.

Chairman asked if the MMV Ostrea would be available during Clipper. Barry Fox advised that it would be available. Theresa McLaverty asked if it was still the case that the MMV Ostrea would be used in Kilkeel for promotion when it was slipped in the area. Barry advised hat due to the commitments with the Clipper that it would be used in Carlingford after being slipped but it would be in the Carlingford area later in summer 2012.

Phil Mahon produced a newspaper article in relation to the pontoon that was erected recently in Derry and advised after reading the article that the Loughs Agency, as lead partner were not mentioned but Derry City Council had been mentioned. John Pollock advised that he would look into this issue. Theresa McLaverty suggested the Agency building up relationships with local editors and sending out articles in relation to the MMV Ostrea and general promotion of the Agency every so often.

9. Risk Management Update

John Pollock provided the Board with a copy of the latest Risk Register and stated that Members are asked to consider and note the latest Risk Register which was updated following the March 2012 Risk Management Meeting.

Chairman suggested that in future the changes are highlighted so the Board can easily track new changes to risk. All agreed.

10. Outturn Against Targets

John Pollock provided the Board with a copy of the latest Outturn Against Targets and stated that Members are asked to consider and note outturn against the Agency’s 2012 Business Targets for each of the four Directorates.

Phil Mahon stated that the layout of each of the Directorates Outturns were slightly different and asked that the same layout be used for each Directorate. All agreed.

11. Health and Safety Policy

John McCartney provided the Board with the above policy and asked Board Members to note and approve the Health and Safety Policy which has been updated to bring it into line with both best practice and legislative changes in both jurisdictions that occurred from when the policy was originally written over 5 years ago.

Proposed Phil Mahon Seconded Michael McCormick

12. Sustainable Development Fund

John Pollock advised the meeting that the Sustainable Development Fund was launched 13th April 2012. The first round of the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) offered support of up to £1,000 for events. A second round will call (May 2012) for project proposals for other investment in marine tourism and angling development. John added that the closing date had now passed and the applications would be assessed later that day.

Theresa McLaverty asked how the SDF was advertised. John Pollock explained that the call had been emailed to a large database of staff, Board Members, Advisory Forum, Angling Club, Private River Watchers, Still Water Fisheries and a number of other Agency stakeholders. Theresa advised that in her opinion it should have been advertised in the press and suggested that the next call be advertised in this way.

13. Interreg Applications

(a) Marine Tourism

The Loughs Agency Marine Tourism and Angling Development programme (€4,000,000 Interreg funding) completes in 2015. Although the application was made in 2007, final approvals were only received in 2011. However, in the intervening period, development staff had undertaken preliminary work at risk in order to advance projects to appropriate stages in anticipation of approval. As an example, this meant that the water access projects on the Foyle (pontoons and quay) were ready to proceed to implementation as soon as approval was received, statutory consents having been secured by that time.

The Loughs Agency tourism and angling programme (EU funded) is due to complete autumn 2015. An overview of progress follows for each project.

The “marine events platform” pontoon arrangement on the River Foyle is well under way, with bank side works almost complete and the last of the pontoons being manufactured. Project partner is Port of Londonderry.

There will be a dedicated cruise ship quay in Londonderry/Derry by late June with bollards, ladders and gangway gates almost complete and fenders on order. Project partner is Port of Londonderry.

The Malin Head project will include a foot path and viewing platform at this, the most northerly, Irish headland. Project partner is Donegal County Council and works should commence this year.

A pre-application planning service discussion concerning the proposed beach centre at will be held in coming weeks. Project partner is Borough Council.

The angling beat proposal on the River Foyle at the Backwater (4km north of Strabane) has been out for consultation to staff, concept drawings having been prepared internally by the GIS officer.

The river access project at Loughs Agency lands at the Gribben Quay (1km west of Bready, ) is being consulted upon locally.

The tourist angling beat on the River Strule (7km north of Omagh) is being scoped. A project involving the development of a management plan for the Derg (and appropriate actions resulting there from) remains at an early stage. Works are proposed to enhance well intentioned access to the island of Inishtrahull (northeast of Malin Head) and these have been detailed to Commissioners of Irish Lights. Their feedback is awaited.

Some projects remain at the value for money assessment stage, e- licensing, marketing and training, as well as the Derg management plan, Benone and Inishtrahull.

(b) IBIS Project

The Loughs Agency as Lead Partner received the formal Letter of Offer at the end of November 2011, this was duly signed and returned to SEUPB on the 21st December 2011. The IBIS Management Board has met on three occasions and they convened the first meeting of the Advisory Group which is made up of representatives of the main statutory environmental organisations and NGO’s in Scotland, Ireland and N Ireland on the 7th December in Antrim close to the airport. This was a highly successful and informative meeting and has helped shape the research topics for the PhD / MRes and CPD programmes. These have been finalised by the Management Board. Five PhD positions have been advertised by University of Glasgow and three are to be advertised by QUB shortly.

(c) Lough to Loch

As members will be aware this application for the provision of Marina facilities in Carlingford Lough (Warrenpoint) and Loch Ryan (Stranraer) was one of 12 applications out of approximately 90 that passed the first stage of the approval process run by SEUPB.

Work, by the Partners, Newry & Mourne District Council (Lead), Warrenpoint Port, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Louth County Council and the Loughs Agency, is now underway to prepare the Business Case required for the next stage of the selection process. Consultants have been retained by the partners to lead this process.

Advice on the approach to this document should follow has been sought from SEUPB, Scottish Enterprise and the core Funding Departments Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. This indicates that the project should be shaped towards its integration into the Sail West Project, in which the Agency is again a partner.

Sail West is working towards the delivery of a “necklace” of Marinas and Mooring facilities linking both sides of the Irish sea to the North Coast and ultimately the west coast of the Island.

The advice also suggests that the projects marketing focus should be event led, encouraging various classes of recreational craft to visit the Lough and Loch.

Submission of the Business Case will be in mid May 2012, and final approval of those successful will be made before the end of the year. Board members will be kept informed of progress.

(d) Carlingford Ferry

Agency staff met the promoters of this project to discuss its failure to achieve selection. It was recognised that while there were obvious economic advantages with the project the failure to gain the support of some of the residents was to some extent the reason for the negative outcome.

The promoters advised that they were continuing to prepare the full Environmental Impact Assessment and also sourcing a full independent survey of resident’s views. The Agency asked that they be kept informed of progress, offered to facilitate public meetings if appropriate and use of our GIS facilities for presentational purposes if it was felt that they could be of value.

Members will be advised of any developments.

14. Reclassification of Bodies

John Pollok provided the meeting with a copy of a letter to the Finance Directors of North South Bodies and stated that Board members were advised at their last meeting that the Agency’s status along with that of all the cross border bodies had been reclassified from Arms Length Bodies (ALB) to Non Departmental Public Bodies (NDPB). The Agency wrote to the Joint Secretaries of the North South Ministerial Council raising its concerns on the implications this reclassification has on the Bodies. The Board are asked to note the response from the Department of Finance and Personnel.

Jim Wilson expressed his concern about the extra workload that had been mentioned in the first paragraph of the letter. John Pollock advised that already there had been a lot of extra work required for the first quarter of 2012.

Don Tipping suggested that this be raised at the next North South Ministerial Council Meeting. John Pollock advised that the Agency were meeting with both Sponsor Departments on 23rd May 2012 and he would table this as an agenda item.

15. Oyster Fishery Procedures and Appeals Process

Barry Fox provided the Board with the above information and stated that Members will find the licensing process and appeals mechanism for the commercial oyster fishery attached. Members are asked to consider this information and advise what further information they require and how they would like it presented. Barry added that it was an audit requirement that the Agency have an appeals process in place for the oyster fishery application process.

16. Shellfish Hygiene Sampling and Appropriate Assessment Bird Survey Presentation by Sarah McLean, Aquaculture and Shellfisheries Officer

Sarah McLean the Agency’s Aquaculture and Shellfisheries Officer provided the Board with a presentation on her findings on Shellfish Hygiene Sampling and Appropriate Assessment Bird Survey. The Board thanked Sarah for her comprehensive presentation and this was followed by a questions and answer sessions.

17. A.O.B.

Angler Taster Pond John Pollock provided the Board with drawings and reported on the above idea suggested by Lionel Knobbs the Agency’s Angling Development Manager where a pond would be dug on the land at the front of Headquarters for angler taster sessions. John added that he had given approval for Lionel to go ahead and get number of test digs completed on the land.

18. Date and Venue of Next Meeting

The next meeting of the Board will be held on Wednesday 27th June 2012 at 11am in Loughs Agency Headquarters, Prehen