2007 Annual Report and Accounts by loughsagency

2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report & Accounts

2007

For the period ended December 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report

2007

Loughs Agency

Annual Report and Accounts for the period ended 31 December 2007

Laid before the Northern Ireland Assembly and both Houses of the Oireachtas in accordance with the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 Schedule 1, Annex 2, Part 7, Paragraphs 1.3 and 2.6

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Contents 1.

Chief Executive’s Overview

Mission Statement

Objectives

Board Members

North / South Ministerial Council

Foyle And Carlingford Area Advisory Forum

Staffing

Staff Development

Information Technology

10.

Education And Interpretive Centre “Riverwatch”

11.

Fisheries Management And Development

12.

Aquaculture And Shellfisheries

13.

Marine Tourism

14.

Angling Promotion

Appendix 1 – Out-Turn Against Targets

Appendix 2 – Fisheries Conservation, Protection And Management Statistics

Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5

Foyle Area Spawning Counts 1996/97 – 2007/08 Foyle Area Fish Counter Data 1989 - 2007 Foyle Area Fish Counter Data to 31st December 2007 Foyle Area Weekly Catches of Salmon and Grilse Foyle Area Annual Catches of Salmon and Grilse

34 35 36 37 37

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

iii

Table 6

Foyle Area Average Annual Catches of Salmon and Grilse Table 7 Number of Commercial Licences Issued 1998 - 2007 Table 8 Proportion of Foyle Area Net Catch Taken Table 9 Rod Catch Returns (Salmon & Grilse) 2007 Table 10 Rod Catch Returns (Trout) 2007 Table 11 Angling Returns Table 12 Distribution of Rod Licences 2007 Table 13 Number of Draft Consents to Discharge Considered 2003 - 2007 Table 14 Details of Sampling of Discharges for Pollution Investigation 2007 Pollution and Fisheries Habitat Related Incidents Investigated by Staff Table 15A Central Zone Table 15B Eastern Zone Table 15C Wesern Zone Table 15D Carlingford Zone Table 15E Southern Zone Table 15F Total Pollution and Fisheries Habitat Related Incidents Investigated by Staff Table 16 Details of Court Hearings 2007 Table 17 Rod Licences 2003 – 2007 Table 18 Angling Permits 2007 Table 19 Net Licences 2007 Table 20 Salmon Dealers Licences 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

38 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 44 45 45 46 46 47 48 48 50 51 51 51 52

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

1.Chief Executive’s Overview I am pleased to present the Annual Report for 2007 which sets out the major achievements of the organisation and challenges met during the year. The review of our performance over the period of this report highlighted the need to have a greater focus on information and communication. The Board and the Agency have always recognised that to achieve the sustainable development of the resources of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas not only informed dialogue with the Agency’s direct customers, but, it is vital also to raise the profile of the rivers, loughs and their catchments and to highlight vulnerability of the impacts of 21st century society to those that are unaware of their contribution to the environmental pressures these natural resources are under. Two specific elements of our 2005-2007 Corporate Plan addressed this issue, the formation of the Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum and the outreach or education programme focus through Riverwatch and its newly expanded aquaria. In 2006 an independent recruitment process was adopted to replace the first Advisory Forum (which was stood down in 2005). The new advisory forum became fully operational in 2007, focusing on issues of importance to stakeholders and thereby co ntributing to effective decision making. The Agency continues to further enhance its public consultation in the ongoing delivery of its functions. With regard to our responsibilities for Salmon and Inland Fisheries, this review, we believe, indicates the importance of informing our discussions with stakeholders and others who will influence the productivity of these resources. Similarly the outreach work focused through the Agency’s Interpretive Centre “Riverwatch” which has welcomed over 30,000 visitors and has significantly raised the profile of the fisheries, marine and environmental resources, particularly the Foyle Catchment and also demonstrates the resources and their vulnerability. The development of the Agency’s management regime for the salmonid stocks of the catchments progressed with further work on the genetics programme being commissioned and the development of a pre fisheries abundance model for salmon stocks in the Foyle Area being initiated in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Marine Institute, University of Glasgow and the Institute National de la Recherché Agronomique, France. During the period of this report the stocks of salmon in the Foyle Area continue to meet conservation limits.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Work to rebuild the stocks in the Carlingford Area continues. The European Economic Area (EEA) Cohesion Fund supported this work through the provision of funding for a counter on the Clanrye River at Newry and for the reinstatement of 7 in-stream habitat units on the upper reaches of the river. Similar work will also be funded from this source on the River Deele in County Donegal. Other reinstatement works were undertaken throughout the catchments as part of the Agency’s conservation and protection programme. In accordance with the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992), the recommendations of the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation and the International Council for the Exploitation of the Sea, the Agency was required to rationalise the commercial salmon fisheries in the Foyle Area. The base data which supported this decision was gathered by our fisheries protection vessels operating in the fishery, the migration patterns of adult salmon recorded at the fish counting facilities, the habitat and electrofishing surveys presented in our Status Reports and the work undertaken on the genetic variance of salmon stocks. This monitoring has informed the management regime for the commercial and recreational fisheries that was implemented in 2007. To recognise the hardship that would be experienced by the implementation of this compliance, the Agency obtained approval for a “hardship package” for those who are operating in interceptory fisheries, who were obliged to cease fishing and for the remaining commercial drift net and draft net fishermen who were offered a voluntary opportunity to cease fishing. A suite of regulations was brought forward to ensure the benefits of any stock improvement generated by the rationalisation were not negated by increased angling mortality. We believe that the information we were able to present to the stakeholders on the future prospects for salmon stocks and the requirement to protect them through further controls was sufficiently robust to ensure that the take up, on a voluntary basis, of the hardship package delivered the rationalisation without the need to enforce withdrawal from the sector. We were able to reduce the number of licences available in the drift net fishery from 112 to 18 and in the draft net fishery from 50 to 10 and thereby providing a sustainable commercial fishery in the future. The Agency is committed to evidence-based decision making. Informed consultation with regard to the Agency’s responsibilities for aquaculture and shellfisheries has been important when developing a suite of regulations to conserve and protect the wild oyster fishery in Lough Foyle. During the period of this report considerable preparatory work was undertaken in the area of marine tourism and recreational angling development. This has resulted in significant consultation with relevant stakeholders and the preparation of a bid for the new INTERREG programme, due to be announced in early 2008. I would like to thank the outgoing Board for their support and dedication since the inception of Loughs Agency. Their input and participation in the shaping of this

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

organisation has provided a strong foundation for the new incoming Board. I welcome the new Board and look forward to working with them in the coming years. I would also like to thank the staff of the Loughs Agency for their expertise, professionalism and commitment in the delivery of our responsibilities. Derick Anderson Chief Executive

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

2.Mission Statement The Loughs Agency aims to provide sustainable social, economic and environmental benefits through the effective conservation, protection, management, promotion and development of the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

3.Objectives The principal objectives of the Agency in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas are:• To conserve and protect the salmon and inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas; • To manage and develop the salmon and inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas; • To promote the development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes; • To licence and develop aquaculture; • To develop marine tourism; • To pursue increased efficiency and continuous improvement in the delivery of services to all customers; • To ensure the efficient, effective, and economic utilisation of resources available to the Agency. See Appendix 1 for out-turn against objectives and targets.

4.Board Members In December 2007 the term of the current board ceased and Ministers appointed a new twelve person Board from 13th December. Details of the members are as follows: Mr Tarlach O’Crosain Mr Peter Savage Ms Jacqui McConville Mr Jack Allen Ms Siobhan Logue Mr Joseph Martin

Re-Appointed 13/12/07 End of term 12/12/07 Re-Appointed 13/12/07 End of term 12/12/07 End of term 12/12/07 End of term 12/12/07

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Chairperson Ex - Chairperson Vice Chairperson

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts Mr Dick Blakiston-Houston Mr Francis Feely Dr Patrick Griffin Mr Andrew Ward Mr Enda Bonner Mr Brendan Byrne Mr John Byrne Mr Denis Haughey Mr Alan McCulla Mr Joe Miller Mr John Mulcahy Mr Winston Patterson Mr Thomas Sloan Mr Jim Wilson

2007

End of term 12/12/07 End of term 12/12/07 End of term 12/12/07 End of term 12/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07 Appointed 13/12/07

Board Meetings 40th 41st 42nd 43rd 44th 45th 46th

Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday

10 07 09 27 29 24 12

January March May June August October December

2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007

Armagh City Hotel Loughs Agency HQ Prehen Ballymascanlon Hotel Dundalk Loughs Agency HQ Prehen Loughs Agency HQ Prehen Four Season Hotel Carlingford Loughs Agency HQ Prehen

Minutes of the above meetings are available on the Agency web site www.loughs-agency.org

5.North / South Ministerial Council The first NSMC Aquaculture & Marine Sectoral meeting since the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly was held in the Loughs Agency Headquarters in Prehen on Wednesday 21 November 2007. The Council noted progress made since the last meeting in April 2002 and discussed the passing of legislation in both jurisdictions in 2007, which provided the Loughs Agency with the powers to regulate aquaculture and wild shellfisheries in both the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Other areas discussed included: • The introduction of a hardship package to provide a measure of relief to those affected by the cessation of the commercial drift or draft net salmon fishing in the Foyle area. • Corporate Plan for the period 2008-2010 and Business Plan for 2008, subject Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

to budgetary considerations by the Executive and the Irish Government. • Marine Tourism Development Strategy for the period 2008 to 2013, subject to the availability of funding under the EU programme for Cross Border Territorial Co-operation. • Financial Assistance Policy to oversee how grant aid will be administered in the support of angling development, conservation and protection of fisheries, marine tourism and aquaculture. • Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2006. • Proposed purchase of a monitoring vessel subject to the availability of funding under the EU Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG). • The Foyle Area and Carlingford Area (Angling) (Amendment No 2) Regulations 2007 which should positively impact on conservation and protection of salmon stocks in an area of the River Finn. • Development of regulations to improve the control of salmon and coarse angling and for the licensing and development of aquaculture.

6.Foyle And Carlingford Area Advisory Forum 10 28 18 27

January February April September

2007 2007 2007 2007

Armagh City Hotel Waterfoot Hotel Derry Canal Court Hotel Newry Silverbirch Hotel Omagh

Minutes of the above meetings are available on the Agency web site www. loughs-agency.org

7.Staffing The review of the Agency’s staffing structure was completed and agreed in early 2006, with the recruitment of all the posts completed in June 2007. The Agency now operates within a four Directorate structure (Corporate Services, Conservation & Protection, Aquaculture & Shellfisheries and Development) which are now fully operational with a current approved core staffing level of 53.

Derick Anderson Chief Executive

John Pollock

John McCartney

Gerard Mills

Barry Fox

Director of Corporate Services

Director of Conservation and Protection

Director of Development

Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

8.Staff Development Throughout the year the Agency addressed the training and development needs of staff, focusing on knowledge and skills retention and motivation appropriate to the achievement of the organisation’s objectives and individuals’ needs. These included Geographical Information System, Police and Criminal Evidence, advanced boating, accounting, investigatory practice and a range of equality awareness, health and safety and IT related courses.

9.Information Technology During 2007 the Agency invested in Trimble GPS Data logging units which are used by our field staff for all freshwater and marine surveys these include habitat, redd counts and electrofishing data. The fish counter programme continued to be developed with Clanrye (Newry) and Strule (Omagh) and both coming online towards the end of the year. Development of the Agency’s website, www.loughs-agency.org, continued with the rollout of the marine tourism sections and has already proved a very useful tool for the dissemination of information to the tourist. Further sections on conservation and development and aquaculture are planned for 2008.

10.Education And Interpretive Centre “Riverwatch” The Agency’s outreach work focused through the Agency’s Interpretive Centre “Riverwatch” which has welcomed over 30,000 visitors and has significantly raised the profile of the fisheries, marine and environmental resources, particularly the Foyle Catchment and also demonstrates the resources and their vulnerability. In 2007, the number of visitors topped 8,000. This figure was slightly below expectations due largely to a two month maintenance closure during the year. While the majority of the visitors have been primary school children we are increasingly targeting post primary schools and adult groups. The opportunities to protect, develop and enjoy the resources of the catchment have been further promoted by outreach programmes such as ‘Salmon in the Classroom’, ‘Youth Justice Agency Initiative’ for young offenders and our ‘Environmental Monitoring Projects’.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

11.Fisheries Management And Development Salmon Management And Development The management regime operating for salmon in the Foyle Catchment is unique in the North East Atlantic and was established by the Foyle Fisheries Commission following the report by PF Elson and ALW Tuomi, “The Foyle Fisheries, New Basis for Rational Management” published in 1975. The North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation (NASCO), an inter-governmental body established by treaty drawing it’s membership from USA, Russia, Canada, Greenland, European Union and other countries, has encouraged its members to adopt a precautionary approach to salmon management and the Loughs Agency has endeavoured to follow this lead. The Agency salmon management strategy was refined with a full review of escapement targets by our Scientific Advisors in 1998. The Agency is committed to continuing to ensure that its application of data is at the forefront of available technology, and in 2007 began the application of the Wetted Area Model for comparative purposes on escapement. The Agency has continued to ensure best management practice is applied to its salmon fisheries by retaining a Post Graduate student to research the development of a Pre Fisheries Abundance model for the Foyle area. This project is well underway, and hopefully it will be completed in 2008. Agency staff continued to collate the relevant data on audit points for salmon management. Salmon are under the constant threat from a range of inter-related factors including degraded in-river habitat, pollution, changing agricultural and forestry practice and predation by cormorants and seals. The Agency has tried to address all of these contributory factors. Loughs Agency has prepared catchment status reports outlining the main issues impacting within each catchment and presenting relevant scientific data. These are available on the Conservation and Protection web pages of the Agency’s website. Fisheries Conservation Protection and Management Statistics have been provided for the 2007 season and are included within Appendix 2. In 2007 Agency staff built in the monitoring of water quality and macro invertebrate life of minor tributaries into the salmon life cycle audit points to ensure that the Agency’s management of the fishery was undertaken with a holistic view of the wider ecosystem. This data has facilitated our field staff to differentiate between issues related to water pollution, habitat damage and accessibility relevant to migratory fish which has allowed the Agency to target a range of different measures to strategically address the issues identified.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

The Agency position in relation to restocking of rivers came under close scrutiny in 2007. Some stakeholders felt that the Agency should move towards the use of hatchery stocks and programmes. Agency scientific staff and advisors may turn to this type of programme in the future, but only after water quality and habitat issues are fully addressed, and there has been a suitable opportunity for natural restocking. This approach is most likely to be effective in the long term and does not artificially alter the genetic makeup of the natural brood stock. This provides adherence to best practice advice derived from Loughs Agency salmon genetic reports and precautionary principle guidelines.

Salmon Management Audit Points Commercial Catches 2007 saw the introduction of the Commercial Salmon Fishing Hardship Scheme. The Scheme was introduced as a result of the requirements of the Habitats Directive on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Agency is pleased that the Hardship Package it introduced achieved the necessary reduction in fishing effort entirely on a voluntary basis. In order to meet the requirements of the Habitats Directive the Agency introduced measures to cease the interceptory fishery on stocks not achieving their conservation limits. The fishery seaward of Lough Foyle has been demonstrated to impact on such stocks in Ireland, Great Britain and beyond, this fishery ceased in 2007. The stocks within Lough Foyle were historically exploited by approximately 30 drift nets each fishing 900 meters of net. The Agency’s scheme sought to confirm the rationalisation of the commercial fishery at this number, but proposed the further reduction of fishing effort by reducing the length of the nets that could be fished to 500 meters. All drift net licence applicants who would have had their 2007 applications approved were offered the Hardship Package on the basis that they would enter a “contract” to permanently cease commercial salmon fishing, would decommission their nets and commit to the repayment of the package if they were detected commercially fishing for salmon. Of the 112 licences eligible all but 18 chose to take the Package and the Agency’s regulatory regime was not required to enforce the reduction of drift net effort required (i.e. to 30 nets in Lough Foyle). In the draft net fishery where up to 50 licences were available annually, no reduction was required as all the stocks exploited by these nets, those of the River Mourne, the River Finn and their tributaries are achieving conservation limits. However, 40 of the 50 draft net licences who had their applications approved in 2007 opted to take the Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Hardship Package under the same commitment as that made by their drift nets men colleagues. Both the Drift and Draft net Fisheries are now capped to the number of licences taken out in the pervious season. No closures or extension to the recreational or commercial fisheries were introduced during 2007 principally due to the extreme weather conditions that persisted for much of the summer. Water levels were high throughout the period June to August. In effect the fish counting facilities at Sion Mills Weir “washed out” which allowed the salmon on their returning migration to move over the weir without being counted. The commercial fishery catches in 2007 were, as expected with the reduced effort, down significantly on previous years. See table A below:

Table A Year

Drift

Draft

Combined Drift and Draft

2000

23069

12628

35697

2001

13500

9476

22976

2002

28851

11917

40768

2003

15741

16991

32732

2004

12800

9490

22290

2005

13391

12143

25534

2006

6160

6031

12191

2007

2598

2774

5372

Fish Counters The Agency commissioned two new fish counters in Omagh on the Strule and Newry on the Clanrye which will enhance the ability to properly manage the fish stocks of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Both of these sites, as new facilities have yet to have any validation work undertaken. As with some of the other facilities, these do not cover the entire river channel and fish are known to have bypassed the counting area, these should therefore be viewed as likely to be minimum counts, but will provide useful year on year comparators. Comparative fish counter data is detailed below in table B:

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Table B 2005

2006

2007

Faughan

4245

3399

1257

Finn

8571

5700

3278

Sion Mills

9397

9352

3714

Roe

2917

1213

5375

Corrick

1269

228

1705

Newry

Omagh

126

The River Faughan and Sion Mills counts for 2007 were deemed to be unsatisfactory and only partial counts due to very high water conditions in the late spring and early summer which allowed fish to traverse the weirs instead of going through the fish counters. The low Corrick count in 2006 was due to vandalism of the counter. While the count on the river Finn was very disappointing, it is interesting to note that the River Roe had its best ever run of salmon recorded on the counter at Limavady.

Rod Catch Returns 2007 The percentage of anglers making a catch return in 2007 was down on recent years (see Appendix 2 – table 12). This is of some concern as it is a regulatory requirement for the angler to make timely and accurate catch returns. Catch returns are an important audit point, which facilitates the sustainable management of the fish populations of the Foyle and Carlingford areas, and we would therefore urge compliance with the legislative requirement for returns to be made. Declared catches of salmon showed an increase when compared to recent years but declared catches of trout were down, demonstrating a worrying trend. This is further discussed in the following section on sea trout (Further information on angling returns are outlined in Appendix 2 – tables 10, 11 and 12). Some angling clubs also requested their members to make returns to their organisation. In 2007 River Faughan Anglers Ltd club permit returns indicated that their members had caught 2369 adult Atlantic salmon within the Faughan catchment. When this is compared to the licence returns made to the Loughs Agency where a catch of 1132 adult Atlantic salmon for the Faughan catchment was recorded, it is apparent that many anglers are failing to make full returns to the Loughs Agency. This is not helpful in the preparation of a full picture of the status of these stocks. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Redd Counts Redds are the sites where adult salmon deposit their eggs in gravel and can be recognised by a characteristic depression with downstream mound created by excavation of the depression or nest by the spawning adults. The accuracy of redd counts has always been subject to weather conditions, with flood situations where the increase in suspended solids inhibits visibility and further difficulties are caused by the high water flows flattening the mounds of gravel created by redding action thus when clearer conditions return no visible evidence of the redd remains. In 2007, conditions for redd counting were mixed with the results presented in Appendix 2 – table 3.

Electrofishing In 2007 a total of 573 sites were semi-quantitatively electrofished within the Foyle and Carlingford areas. 487 sites surveyed were within the Foyle system and 86 sites were within the Carlingford system. Within the Foyle system the average number of salmon fry present at each site in 2007 was 19 with an average of 4 trout fry present at each site. While trout numbers may appear disappointing the selection of sites is biased towards salmon habitat.

River Roe Fry Index Salmon 0+

Mean Number of 0+ (Fry)/5min

Trout 0+

50 40 30 20 10

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002 Year

2003

2004

2005

River Roe (Foyle area) catchment fry index 1998-2007. Note number of sites surveyed has fluctuated annually from 27 in 1998 to 75 in 2007, the number of sites surveyed has stabilised since 2002. Within the Carlingford system the average number of salmon fry present at each site in 2007 was 2 with an average of 2 trout fry present at each site.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007 Salmon 0+

Average Fry/5 Minute

Trout 0+ Salmon & Trout 0+

10 8 6 4 2

2000

2001

2002

2003 Year

2004

2005

2006

White Water River (Carlingford area) catchment fry index 2000-2007. Note number of sites surveyed has fluctuated annually from 5 in 2000 to 20 in 2007, the number of sites surveyed has stabilised since 2002. It should be noted that the charts displayed above denote general trends within the selected catchments and are based on a fluctuating number of sites surveyed annually. This fluctuation can be due to a number of factors including events such as foot and mouth disease in 2001 which restricted access in some areas to sites becoming overgrown and unsuitable for survey. The Loughs Agency aims to have a consistent number of sites surveyed within each catchment annually. In addition to the semi-quantitative electrofishing surveys a number of sites within the Faughan catchment were quantitatively surveyed. This ongoing quantitative monitoring is designed to assess the effectiveness of in-stream habitat improvement works completed in 2007. Monitoring will continue for the next 4-5 years and will be reported within the River Faughan catchment status report.

Coded Wire Tagging (CWT) The Coded Wire Tagging programme continued in 2007 on the River Faughan. No tagging took place on the River Finn. It is hoped to run tagging on 2 rivers in 2008 in support of the international SALSEA Merge programme, investigating salmon at sea. CWT is conducted for a number of reasons including to highlight the areas where returning adult salmon are exploited. The Loughs Agency uses Rotary Screw Traps (RST) to catch the smolts for tagging. This facilitates the collection of valuable biological data and other information on abundance and run timing of both the salmonid and other fish populations descending the river at this time of year.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Information on smolts tagged in 2006 and caught as returning adults in the 2007 season will be presented in the 2008 annual report and in the river catchment status reports when available. The Marine Institute collates the recapture data from the tagging programme. For fish tagged in any year there is a lag of 2 years before the recapture data is available. From 2005 the Loughs Agency has used Coded Wire Tagging equipment purchased with funds secured from the European Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG IIIA Programme, administered by the Environment and Heritage Service, on behalf of the Department of Environment. All micro-tagged fish have had their adipose fin removed (small fin between dorsal fin and tail), if any fisher catches a salmon or grilse without this fin a reward is payable on the return of the fish head to Loughs Agency Headquarters in Prehen, Details of location, of capture and date fish was caught, length, weight and scale sample are invaluable for the use of this information.

Salmon smolt run timing and abundance from rotary screw trap sub sample River Faughan 2004-2007. Breaks in data are due to closure of trap during high water conditions Year

Number of Smolts Tagged

Mean Age

Mean Length (cm)

Mean Weight (g)

2002

690

12.5

19.8

2003

2252

12.7

20.2

2004

773

12.2

18.0

2005

390

12.9

20.5

2006

779

12.0

19.3

Numbers of salmon smolts tagged on River Finn 2002-2006 (note no tagging carried out on the River Finn in 2007)

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Year Tagged

Year Recaptured

Numbers Recaptured

Recapture Location

2002

2003 2004

10 1

Donegal, Foyle Area, North Coast, Mayo, Galway, River Finn

2003

2004

Donegal, Foyle Area, Mayo, Kerry, River Finn

2004

2005

Greencastle

2005

2006

Torr

Recapture data from the River Finn CWT programme. Note lag in data due to length of time spent at sea and length of time needed to collate data.

Year

Number of Smolts Tagged

Mean Age

Mean Length (cm)

Mean Weight (g)

2003

1582

14.9

33.5

2004

1875

13.4

24.6

2005

1658

13.3

23.6

2006

769

13.3

25.4

2007

1547

13.5

27.1

Numbers of smolts tagged on River Faughan 2003-2007

Year Tagged

Year Recaptured

Numbers Recaptured

Recapture Location

2003

2004

Greencastle, Burtonport, Malin Head, Belmullet and Torr Head

2004

2005

Greencastle, Malin Head, Donegal and Galway Bay

2005

2006

Greencastle

Recapture data from the River Faughan CWT programme. Note lag in data due to length of time spent at sea and length of time needed to collate data.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

In stream works Loughs Agency funded the in stream works in 2007 on the following rivers: River name

Type of works

Comments

Fintona River

Habitat improvement of Salmon redds observed on banks and in stream gravel new gravel in December 2007

Seskinore River

Habitat improvement of Salmon redds observed on banks and in stream gravel new gravel in December 2007

Upper River Derg

Removal of compacted silt and replacement with spawning gravel

Salmon redds observed on new gravel in December 2007

River Deele

Removal in tunnelling

Expected improvement in juveniles numbers to be observed in 2008

Ballykelly river

Removal of compacted silt and replacement with spawning gravel

Trout redds observed on new gravel in December 2007

Bonds glen river

Habitat improvement of Salmon redds observed on banks and in stream gravel new gravel in December 2007

Fore glen river

Habitat improvement of Salmon redds observed on banks and in stream gravel new gravel in December 2007

The works on the Ballykelly River were carried out in partnership with Rivers Agency. The works on the Foreglen and Bonds Glen rivers were carried out in partnership with The River Faughan Anglers Association and RAPID.

Sea Trout Sea Trout is the anadromous form of the brown trout Salmo trutta L. Catch returns for sea trout are outlined later in this report however the trends over recent years have shown a decline in the declared catch, especially within the Foyle area. Sea trout in the Carlingford area reach a greater average size than those within the Foyle area, with the White Water River having significant annual returns of these large sea trout. A number of factors could be responsible for declining sea trout stocks with common issues such as abnormally high sea lice infestation providing possible explanations.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Other factors could include ecosystem change impacting upon traditional prey species, coastal water pollution and over fishing. Fewer trout smolts may also be migrating to sea and may be remaining as brown trout within the rivers. Many questions remain unanswered about Salmo trutta L. The Loughs Agency supports further research on trout populations and where possible will contribute towards relevant studies and collecting important biological information. Sea trout smolts in addition to salmon smolts are caught in the Loughs Agency rotary screw traps. Some of the data collected before the sea trout smolts were returned to the river is displayed below. The collection of this data will contribute towards the long term monitoring of run timing and abundance trends of sea trout within key catchments.

Sea Trout smolt run timing and abundance from rotary screw trap sub sample, River Faughan 2006 &-2007. Breaks in data are due to closure of trap during high water conditions Year

Number of Sea Trout Smolts

Mean Length (cm)

Mean Weight (g)

2006

248

17.8

64.14

2007

279

19.1

74.73

The Loughs Agency encourages catch and release as an important conservation tool for sea trout within the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Coarse Fisheries Management and Development Coarse fishing remains important in both Carlingford and Foyle. The Agency continued to work with local stakeholders, to develop and promote a number of waters. The Agency is currently working on new legislation to protect coarse fish within both catchments includes bio-security to ensure the growing demand for coarse fishing can be meet well into the future. The Agency in September 2007 undertook a fish stock assessment of the Newry Canal between Victoria Lock and the Albert Basin in conjunction with the Aquatic Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) and the Central Fisheries Board (CFB). This survey updated previous reports from 2001 and 2002. A new element to the 2007 survey was the use of new hydro-acoustic technology which enabled the estimation of fish numbers in the canal. This was ground truthed using standard netting techniques which followed the draft European Standards for surveys of this type. While direct comparisons with the previous surveys are difficult, due to changes in the technology applied, stocks of certain species did appear to have declined, for instance only one juvenile bream was found in 2007 as against good numbers of adults in 2002. Reasonable numbers of roach X bream hybrids were present in 2007 in numbers comparable to other similar systems. A number of potential problems were identified which should be addressed: • poor water quality, particularly in the Albert Basin. • lowering and raising of the water levels in the canal during critical spawning periods. • potential over exploitation of stocks. Summary catch for fish captured in traditional gill net gangs during fish stock surveys conducted in the Newry Canal in 2001 and 2007.

60 2001

CPUE (Fish/net)

2007 40 30 20 10 0 Roach

Bream

BoxBr

Tench Species

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Pike

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Legislation Amendments to Regulations As indicated earlier in this report, the Agency is committed to use the information it collects to protect, maintain and deliver, the achievement of sustainable stocks of salmonids in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. While actions are available to us from the freshwater phase of the life cycle of these fish and are being taken on an ongoing basis as reported, the impact of very significant reductions in sea survival of salmon are being experienced. International co-operations are being initiated to examine the issues surrounding these reductions and will report over the next 3 to 5 years. However the Agency has, as reported earlier, taken steps to further control the exploitation of returning salmon to ensure the level of spawning stocks required for the system are achieved. As a consequence, the following amendments to the regulations listed below have been made. It should be noted that the impact and effectiveness together with information on the populations of the systems are under continual review and if further refinement of the existing regulations or new ones are required, these will be brought forward in consultation with our stakeholders in a timely but measured fashion. The amendments made during 2007 were: 1. Foyle Area and Carlingford Area (Licensing of Fishing Engine) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 – Amendment of the Foyle Area and Carlingford Area (Licensing of Fishing Engine) Regulations 2001 (a)

Delay the date for submission of applications for commercial salmon licences from the 15th January to the 30th April.

2. Foyle Area (Control of Drift and Draft Net Fishing) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 – Amendment of the Foyle Area (Control of Drift and Draft Net Fishing) Regulations 2001 (a)

Removal of references to drift nets used seaward of Lough Foyle or partially in Lough Foyle and partially seaward of Lough Foyle.

3. Foyle Area (Control of Drift and Draft Net Fishing) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 – Amendment of the Foyle Area (Control of Drift and Draft Net Fishing) Regulations 2001 (a) (b)

Remove Area Seaward of Lough Foyle. Restrict the number of licences available in each category to 30 Drift and 50 Draft. The number of licences issued in years following 2007 not to exceed the number issued in the 2007 season. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

4. Foyle Area (Control of Netting) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 – Amendment of the Foyle Area (Control of Netting) Regulations 1981 (a) (b)

Amendment to reduce the length of net that can be used to 500m. Providing that draft nets may not be operated in the Foyle Area seawards of Lough Foyle.

5. Foyle Area and Carlingford Area (Tagging and Log Book) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 – Amendment of the Foyle Area and Carlingford Area (Tagging and Log Book) Regulations 2001 (a) (b) (c)

Restrict the number of tags available for issue to anglers to 5 Blue during the period 1st March to 31st May. Create an offence to use Blue tags outside this period. Restrict the number of tags available to anglers to 20 Black during the period 1st June to 31st October.

6. Foyle Area and Carlingford Area (Angling) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 – Amendment of the Foyle Area and Carlingford Area (Angling) Regulations 2001 (a) (b) (c) (d)

Change the daily bag limit to one Salmon or one Sea Trout over 40cms, for the period 1st March to 31st May. Change the daily bag limit to two Salmon or two Sea Trout over 40cms or one of each during the period 1st June to 31st October. Introduce a daily bag limit of 4 Brown Trout. Introduce a regulation that requires anglers to a use single barbless hook with a gape of not more than 7mm and prohibit the use of earthworm as bait to facilitate the successful catch and release of any salmon or sea trout accidentally caught.

Conservation And Protection Of Fisheries Calls to 24 hours response line after hours From 5pm to 9 am the after hours response line took 766 calls, as detailed on the graph below: The after hours response line was the subject of an Agency promotion campaign in February/March 2007, and has been the source of significant information relating to illegal fishing and water pollution issues.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts Calls to 24 hours

120

100 71

68 53

60 40

2007

20 10

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr May Jun Species

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

One of the core functions of the Loughs Agency is the enforcement of the conservation and protection legislation emanating from the Fisheries Acts and Regulations. 2007 saw a significant focus on regulatory enforcement actions. This has led to the seizures listed below, the seized nets included 8 sea nets (1000m length in total). These actions have led to papers being referred to our solicitors for prosecution of 56 individuals for fisheries protection offences.

Summary of seizures by Agency staff 2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Rods

Boats & vehicles

Nets

217

189

118

101

Salmon & trout

160

137

126

Loughs Agency would wish to acknowledge the substantial assistance given by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Garda Síochána and the Police Service for Northern Ireland, in the enforcement of the Fisheries Acts in the Loughs Agency area. Due to a high incidence of angling offences, 2007 was a particularly difficult year for the Agency staff carrying out enforcement duties. However, through their dedication patrols were maintained in all regions of the Loughs Agency’s area of responsibility. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Private Riverwatchers also provided valuable assistance in the provision of additional protection on their fisheries. The Agency undertook to train these warrant holders in Fishery law and evidential procedure, the seminars were well attended and provided significant positive feedback. The dedication of the Loughs Agency staff, and all assistance provided for enforcement, is very much appreciated by the Board of the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission and the Loughs Agency.

Fresh Water Quality The Agency continues to be a statutory consultee regarding developments that have the potential to impact on the riverine environment either from a water quality in stream or perspective riparian environment. This includes discussions with the Forest Service and various forestry bodies regarding possible impact of proposed planting schemes, Roads Service regarding new river crossings and road schemes, Water Service, regarding sewage and water abstraction schemes, Planning Service, regarding new developments, Environment and Heritage Service, regarding discharge consents, their quality and possible impact, and Rivers Agency regarding drainage and watercourse management issues, including compensatory habitat reinstatement works. The Agency believes that its ongoing strategy of targeting catchments that appear to be stressed for its Proactive Pollution Prevention Programme is both sound and beneficial to these catchments, the base information for this strategy is primarily sourced from the qualitative electro-fishing surveys carried out each year and to a lesser extent from the habitat update programme and the redd count surveys. Using the combined electrofishing, Redd count, water quality and macro invertebrate data gathered in 2007, the Agency was able to evaluate those areas most impacted by pollution and targeted these sub catchments for pro active inspection. A proportion of these inspections led to referral for advice on farming practice, and some led to prosecution for illegal discharges. There were no significant fish kill incidents in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. There were some minor incidents of fish mortality in the Foyle area later in the season, but these appear to have been due to fungal infections on a small number of fish.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Marine Water Quality The Agency with its partners monitored the Sea Loughs around the clock with data from telemetry buoys some of the data is displayed below;

Water temperatures for 2006-2007 show a characteristic pattern of rapid warming in spring and early summer to a maximum of around 22°C. The lowest winter temperature recorded was around 4°C. Water temperature is a major factor in determining spawning timing of shellfish.

Salinity levels are very variable within the Foyle Estuary, and are influenced heavily by the tidal cycles and also the freshwater runoff from the Rivers Foyle, Roe and Faughan. Salinity at the sampling station can vary from below 10ppt to 34ppt. Full seawater has a salinity value of 34ppt showing and freshwater has a salinity value close to 0.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Dissolved Oxygen (DO) can have a major influence on the type of species present within a waterbody. Low dissolved oxygen can result from poor water quality and nutrient enrichment. In Lough Foyle DO is fairly constantly high, although periods of low DO do periodically occur. It is notoriously hard to record DO with an automatic field logger such as those deployed and inconsistencies in the data occur often.

The chlorophyll-a levels in the graph exhibit late spring and summer blooms. Chlorophyll-a is inherently variable and can change on an hourly basis throughout the spring and summer seasons when nutrient availability is high and light intensity is strong. The continuous monitoring of such a variable parameter is imperative to identifying accurately the changes in the standing stock of chlorophyll-a in the estuary through time. These records can be used to assess shellfish growth trends within the ecosystem and can be used to determine the uptake of chlorophyll-a by the shellfish populations. This primary productivity assessment is beneficial to the estimation of ecosystem carrying capacity and also allows shellfish growth predictions to be made for shellfish farmers wishing to optimize production from their operations.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Changes in chlorophyll biomass throughout time may be an indicator of decreased nutrient availability or nutrient limitation in estuaries. Lough Foyle has been shown to be phosphorus limited and this may be having an impact on the spatial extent and duration of the plankton blooms in the spring and summer.

12. Aquaculture And Shellfisheries The Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Act 2007 and The Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 were enacted during this year. It has enabled the Agency to begin the development of Regulations for the conservation, management and development of wild shellfisheries and aquaculture in the Loughs Agency areas. The full rollout of the aquaculture licensing regime will commence in 2009. In preparation for the regulation of aquaculture and shellfisheries in Lough Foyle an independent baseline survey of the Lough was undertaken by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). An implementation plan for the conservation protection and management of the wild oyster fishery in Lough Foyle was published for consultation in May 2007. It is envisaged that Regulations will be in place for the 2008 oyster fishery to ensure the sustainable management and development of this fishery into the future. A Steering Committee for the development of terms of reference to deliver a Strategic Environmental Assessment was established and included membership from stakeholders, government departments and environmental interests. Work on this will be undertaken by consultants and Agency staff in early 2008. Discussions are ongoing with the Crown Estates Commission and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to develop a management agreement for the development of aquaculture within the Loughs. The Commission, CEC and the DCMNR are committed to delivering this agreement prior to the licensing regime coming into operation. The Agency secured funding for a monitoring vessel for the Loughs in 2007. Tendering has taken place in line with EU procurement guidelines and it is hoped that a vessel that can aid in the development and management of the shellfish resources of both Loughs will be in place by the end of 2008.

13. Marine Tourism Key achievements in 2007 were the approval of the Agency’s financial assistance policy for small grants by the North South Ministerial Council in November. This allowed the Agency to begin to meet its obligation under the North/South (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British Irish Agreement Act 1999, to develop angling and marine tourism (including by grant aid). The strategy was disseminated in late 2007 via public meetings, advertising and media promotion throughout the catchments; a call for projects was made for the period 2008-2009 this provides the Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

opportunity to increase engagement with stakeholders and to implement much needed projects in line with the wider Marine Tourism and Angling Development Strategy. The North/South Ministerial Council also supported the Agency’s development of a Marine Tourism and Angling Development Strategy up to 2013 – this will be implemented subject to budget being sourced from the INTERREG IV programme. The INTERREG IV programme was announced in March 2007 and the Agency successfully applied for funding to develop 2 ‘pipeline’ bids to further refine its Marine Tourism and Angling Development Strategy and to develop a Transnational research programme with our colleagues in the Scottish Centre for Ecology and the Natural Environment in Glasgow University. The bids were submitted in September/October 2007 and we are awaiting the outcome which is expected in early/mid 2008. An improved profile of the Carlingford catchment was achieved via partnerships with Carlingford/Cooley tourism, Carlingford Yacht Club and Warrenpoint Chamber of Commerce. These organisations ran three key events: The Oyster Pearl Festival, The J24 Yacht racing championship and a visit of the tall ships to Warrenpoint Harbour. The events were successful in attracting additional visitors to the Carlingford area and it is hoped these will be regular calendar events for the future.

14. Angling Promotion An extensive round of angling promotion occurred throughout 2007, with attendance at key shows which target the core visitor and domestic markets of the Agency, resulting in increased licence sales (please refer to Appendix 2 Table 18). At the outset of the season, the Agency hosted it’s Angling Fair with over 4000 visitors in an effort to showcase the catchment and develop awareness of the role of the Agency – a key highlight was the World Distance casting championship which achieved a new world record. The Angling Fair aims to embrace all angling users and during national angling week in August, workshops were provided free of charge to children and young people in order to develop their skills and awareness of fishing and the importance of the environment in protecting this precious resource. Shows attended included: • Belfast Angling Show • Dublin Angling Show • Tweed Show • Shanes Castle fair • Birr Castle Fair and Game show

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

• English Fly fair The Agency is well represented in niche publications. In an effort to promote the region advertorial appear on a monthly basis highlighting work done and showcasing by visiting angling journalists. As part of the continuing professional development programmes a level three guiding programme was developed in partnership with Cavan Monaghan Rural development with 20 anglers achieving qualification up to level 3 as Angling Guides. The Agency in line with our core values has developed promotional materials to encourage catch and release so that conservation is improved; indeed the festivals/ competitions provided are run on this basis which make the Agency’s approach somewhat unique anywhere in Ireland.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Appendix 1 Outturn against Targets OBJECTIVE 1.

To conserve, protect and improve the salmon and inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

KEY ACTVITY

1.1

Management Information.

1.2

Habitat Protection & Improvement.

1.3

Enforcement.

1.4

Education.

1.5

Regulation.

PERFORMANCE TARGET

UPDATE

1.1.1

Status Reports for Tributary/area by March 2007

Reports completed and posted on Agency Website.

1.1.2

Agree actions with Fishery owners by May 2007.

Completed – list of In-Stream works identified and agreed.

1.2.1

Implement actions to improve sustainability of fisheries by November 2007.

Completed – 7 areas of In-Stream works completed.

1.2.2

Identify and prioritise areas in each of the five regional inspectorates with regard for biodiversity & habitat protection by November 2007.

Completed – areas within Status Reports.

1.3.1

Provide 120 days at sea on Lough Foyle check 100% of boats observed fishing.

Completed – 120 days at sea logged and 100% check completed.

1.3.2

Provide 40 days at sea in Carlingford Lough.

Completed – 40 days at sea logged.

1.3.3

Check 3,600 angling licences and logbooks in Foyle and Carlingford Areas between 1 March 2007 and 20 October 2007.

Completed – more than 4,000 licence checks conducted throughout the Season.

1.3.4

Check 100% of operational netsmen’s log books during the commercial season.

Completed – 10 draft net and 18 drift net log books checked.

1.3.5

Completed – all 20 salmon dealers Check 100% of licensed salmon dealers between 1 March 2007 and checked. 31 October 2007.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

1.4.1

Increase visitors to ‘Riverwatch’ Centre by 10% on visits in 2006.

80% of target achieved – Centre closed for 2 months for essential maintenance.

1.4.2

Encourage 40 groups of Riverwatch clients to participate in outreach programmes.

Completed – 40 groups participated in a range of outreach programmes.

1.5.1

Comply with Departments’ policy with regard to ‘interceptory’ fishing for salmon bring forward timely regulations.

Completed – Salmon Hardship Package developed. First tranche paid in December 2007.

OBJECTIVE 2.

To develop the Recreational Fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

KEY ACTIVITY 2.1

Increase participation of stakeholders group.

2.2

Marketing and information.

2.3

Develop product, infrastructure and services.

PERFORMANCE TARGET

UPDATE

2.1.1

Hold quarterly meetings of the Stakeholders Group.

Completed – a series of 15 meetings of the Advisory Forum and Focus groups were conducted throughout the year.

2.2.1

Update website weekly.

Completed - Updated weekly with new Marine Tourism section added in September 07.

2.2.2

Implement the Communications Strategy Actions by March 2007.

Deferred until 2008 – comprehensive baseline study to be initiated.

2.3.1

Develop 3 angling clusters by November 2007.

Deferred until 2008 – to be identified following a survey of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

2.3.2

Complete a strategic plan to incorporate the development of a grant scheme by October 2007.

Completed – Sustainable Development Fund approved by NSMC in November 2007.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Appendix 1 Outturn against Targets OBJECTIVE 3.

To put in place the mechanisms to facilitate the introduction of a new aquaculture regulation system in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

KEY ACTIVITY

3.1

Initiate Aquaculture regulation and licensing.

3.2

Information development.

3.3

Management information.

PERFORMANCE TARGET

UPDATE

3.1.1

Finalise Management Agreement with DCMNR & Crown Estates for Lough Foyle 31 January 2007.

On-going – consultation with partners more difficult and protracted than anticipated.

3.1.2

Draft and bring forward Regulations Deferred – awaiting enactment of required for licensing of aquaculture Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Order commencement orders. prior to the enactment of the legislation.

3.1.3

Publish draft criteria for the assessment of applications for aquaculture licences in Lough Foyle by February 2007.

Deferred – awaiting enactment of Foyle and Carlingford Fisheries Order commencement orders.

3.2.1

Complete and EIA & SEA in Lough Foyle with a view to completion by May 2007.

Partly met - Strategic Environmental Steering Group established. Meetings held to agree terms of reference with full procurement process to be conducted in 2008.

3.2.2

Manage the acquisition of a vessel suitable to carry out survey work in the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

Partly met - procurement process initiated in August 2007. Delivery of the vessel expected in 2008.

3.2.3

Continue to collect and provide growth and water data for Foyle and Carlingford to populate Carrying Capacity model.

Completed - water and shellfish samples collected on a weekly basis and analysed at the Agency’s headquarters.

3.3.1

Review and update “Status Reports” for both Loughs by March 2007.

Deferred – pending analysis of the results of the CEFAS Survey published in December 2007.

3.3.2

Prepare action plan and agree actions with stakeholders on monitoring and audit programmes by May 2007.

Not required – this has been superseded by the development of regulations and the associated consultation process.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

OBJECTIVE 4.

To develop the opportunities for marine leisure as the basis for tourism and its associated economic benefits whilst having regard to social and environmental responsibilities.

KEY ACTIVITY 4.1

Gain Departmental approval for the marine tourism strategy and grant scheme for the Foyle and Carlingford Areas.

4.2

Consultation with stakeholders and interests on development and delivery of strategies.

4.3

Establish partnerships and allocate responsibilities for the delivery of the strategy.

PERFORMANCE TARGET

UPDATE

4.1.1

Complete the marine tourism strategy by January 2007.

Completed – Strategy developed and approved by NSMC in November 2007, identifying key activities and targets for Marine Tourism development.

4.1.2

Develop a Marine Tourism Strategy gain agreement with a view to implementation by May 2007.

Completed - the INTERREG IV bid involved review of earlier strategies and plans, leading to development of a contemporary plan. This was approved at the November 2007 NSMC meeting.

4.1.3

Bring forward grant aid scheme by May 2007.

Completed –Sustainable Development Fund grant scheme approved by NSMC in November 2007.

4.2.1

Establish consultation stakeholder groups by March 2007.

Completed – focus groups established in Foyle and Carlingford areas.

4.2.2

Prioritise delivery of proposals by May 2007.

Ongoing – awaiting outcome of full application procedure new INTERREG Programme.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Appendix 1 Outturn against Targets OBJECTIVE 5.

To pursue increased efficiency and continuous improvement in the delivery of services to all customers.

KEY ACTIVITY

5.1

The provision of information and services to customers developed to a high standard, and tailored to customer requirements.

5.2

To maintain and improve human resources within the Agency, in order to ensure a high level of customer service.

5.3

Targeting Social Need and Equality Obligations (section 75 NI Act 1998).

5.4

Improve service delivery and outreach to the stakeholders in the Carlingford Area.

PERFORMANCE TARGET

UPDATE

5.1.1

Respond to all correspondence received within 15 working days.

Completed – 98% of responses made within target.

5.1.2

Completed – all requested Provide timely and accurate information to relevant departments documentation forwarded within specified timeframe. to meet specified deadlines.

5.1.3

Respond to requests for information in a timely manner as set out in the FOI Code of Practice and Environmental Info Regs.

Completed – 3 requests responded to, as set out in the code of practice.

5.2.1

Implement Training Needs Analysis and arrange training and development for all staff.

Completed – Individual Training Plan completed for each staff member and training and development activities scheduled in accordance with the Training and Development Policy.

5.3.1

Carry out review of Agency’s Equality Scheme and new Targeting Social Need (nTSN) action plan by May 2007.

Deferred – pending Staff Loading and Grading review due in 2008.

5.4.1

Bring forward a programme for the provision of a service delivery in the Carlingford Area by December 2007.

On-going – investigating funding opportunities.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

PERFORMANCE TARGET

UPDATE

5.4.2

Deferred – investigations ongoing into site suitability in Carlingford area.

Manage the Carlingford office development project to ensure effective and efficient consumption of resources.

OBJECTIVE 6.

To ensure the efficient, effective and economic consumption of resources available to the Agency.

KEY ACTIVITY 6.1

Ensure optimal use of Agency resources, and that all expenditure complies with relevant guidance.

PERFORMANCE TARGET

UPDATE

6.1.1

Ensuring compliance with DAO’s and applicable financial guidance North and South.

Completed – all guidance adhered to and returns made when required.

6.1.2

Comply with provisions of the Lough’s Agency’s Financial Memorandum.

Completed – guidelines contained within our Financial Memorandum adhered to.

6.1.3

Review, update and report the Completed – Risk Management Agency’s Risk Management Strategy Strategy reviewed. Two workshops on a quarterly basis. held in 2007.

6.1.4

Ensure that economic appraisals are Completed – 2 Green Book standard Economic Appraisals carried out in accordance with the conducted for Monitoring Vessel and Financial Memorandum. Hardship Package.

6.1.5

Provide quarterly monitoring information on performance to Departments

Completed – Out-turns against targets updated and submitted within agreed timescales.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Mourne

Owenkillew 750

366

244

234

752

572

641

112

106

748

Mourne System

793

1367

2272

241

337

552

153

516

278

560

998

1969

169

203

357

117

553

209

204

231

640

136

117

119

404

1068

2134

383

245

138

159

147

541

214

291

860

1667

186

154

112

137

233

150

467

131

611

2153

4238

630

377

234

673

545

849

660

451

1431

3163

672

350

101

441

321

536

571

559

1298

2412

410

149

501

473

767

(The Foyle Fisheries : New Basis for Rational Management. Elson and Tuomi. Table 14)

# The Figures relate to Dr. Elson’s “Estimated Spawner Requirements”

1118

4276 1945

7746 5174

Totals

Nil

710

Strule & Tribs

1222 1247

126

^ Finn System 970

Roe

^ Reelan

370

Glenelly

338

844

590

Faughan

^ Finn

666

Drumragh

266

Dennett

422

Deele

734

Culdaff

Derg

708

Camowen

684

2802

5354

844

341

389

312

343

766

519

498

174

1072

278

252

1332

NIL

428

184

NIL

252

NIL

303

646

1365

3039

High Water

604

322

High Water

324

387

334

567

High Water

404

Elson 96/97 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08

Rivers

Appendix 2 Fisheries Conservation Protection and Management Statistics

Table 1: Foyle Area Spawning Counts 1996/97 - 2006/07 (Redd Counts)

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Table 2: Foyle Area Fish Counter Data 1989 - 2007 Year

Faughan

Sion Mills

Glenelly/ Roe Owenkillew

Finn

Strule

Clanrye

1989

8287

1990

6458

1991

4301

7987

1992

7357

7420

1993

8655

17978

1994

7439

19908

1995

10838

7547

1996

13297

8978

1997

3525

7047

1998

3077

9599

1999

6514

2000

2551

4690

2001

1518

6250

2742

3265

3311

2002

4288

12991

4543

5459

5768

2003

3097

12129

1908

4086

6461

2004

2,855

10,270

1.922

3,778

2005

4,245

9,397

1,269

2,917

8,571

2006

3,625

9,352

1,478

5748

2007

1,257**

3,714**

1,705

5,375

3,278

126***

32***

*Counter out of order ** minimum count due to difficulties in season refer *** Counters operational late 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Table 3 Foyle Area Fish Counter Data to 31st December 2007 Month

No. of fish >45cm Mourne* Finn

Roe

Faughan* Owenkillew** Newry*** River

Omagh***

January

532

119

-4

February

264

148

March

133

368

133

April

244

588

May

232

873

247

June

1184

1003

197

305

July

388

228

461

366

274

August

418

165

2277

100

257

September 37

262

489

272

October

630

288

233

November 173

366

212

103

December 28

141

Total

3,278 5,375 1,257

1,705

126

3,714

* Due to very high water when the main run occurred many fish bypassed the counter sites and so were not registered. These are therefore likely to be minimum counts **Channel 1 was not operational during the season therefore this is a minimum estimate ***Both of these sites are new facilities and have yet to have any validation work undertaken. As with some of the other facilities these do not cover the entire river channel and fish are known to have bypassed the counting area these should therefore be viewed as likely to be minimum counts.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Table 4 Foyle Area Weekly Catches of Salmon and Grilse By Commercial Engines 2007 Week Ending

Drift Nets Lough Foyle

Draft Nets River Foyle & River Roe

Totals

No.

Kgs.

No.

Kgs.

No.

Kgs.

16-Jun

23-Jun

108

208

131

248

30-Jun

195

444

467

840

662

1284

07-Jul

193

430

266

524

459

954

14-Jul

441

1006

430

918

871

1924

21-Jul

335

771

555

1326

890

2097

28-Jul

913

2204

703

1610

1616

3814

04-Aug

498

1161

237

571

735

1732

11-Aug

18-Aug

25-Aug

Totals

2598

6056

2774

6015

5372

12071

Table 5 Foyle Area Annual Catches of Salmon and Grilse By Various Classes of Commercial Fishing Engines1998 - 2007 Class of Fishing Engine

Annual Catch (Nos.) of Salmon & Grilse 1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Drift Nets : Sea Only

7539

2792

3628

2169

5262

3382

2246

2408

602

Drift Nets : Lough & Sea

22717 12097 17339 10739 22556 11846 10143 10649 5197

5197

Drift Nets : Lough Only

1040

346

2598

Draft Nets : River Foyle & River Roe

11141 7893

10339 9476

11917 16991 9490

12143 6031

6031

2774

Fixed Engines :

Londonderry Fishery

TOTALS

42437 23290 32672 22976 40768 32732 22290 25534 12176 12176

508

1366

592

1033

513

411

334

5372

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Table 6: Foyle Area Average Annual Catches of Salmon and Grilse for each Class of Commercial Fishing Engine 1997 - 2006 Class of Fishing Engine

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Drift Nets : Sea Only

377

147

202

121

310

188

173

161

Drift Nets : Lough & Sea

288

153

228

141

289

154

147

150

Drift Nets : Lough Only

171

129

144

Draft Nets : 227 River Foyle & River Roe

184

220

277

347

421

213

123

277

Fixed Engines

Table 7: Number of Commercial Licences Issued 1998-2007

Class of Licence

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Drift Nets : Sea Only

Drift Nets : Lough & Sea

Drift Nets : Lough Only

Draft Nets : River Foyle

River Roe

Fixed Engines

1 --

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Table 8: Proportion of Foyle Area Net Catch Taken By Various Classes of Fishing Engines 1998-2007 Class of Fishing Engine

Proportion of Foyle Area Net Catch 1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Drift Nets : Sea Only

17.8

12.8

11.1

9.4

12.9

10.3

10.1

9.4

4.9

Drift Nets : Lough & Sea

53.4

55.4

53.1

46.7

55.4

36.2

45.5

41.7

42.7

Drift Nets : Lough Only

2.5

2.3

4.2

2.6

2.5

1.6

1.8

1.3

2.8

48.4

Draft Nets : River Foyle & River Roe

26.3

29.5

31.6

41.3

29.2

51.9

42.58

47.6

49.6

51.6

Fixed Engines :

0.02

Londonderry Fishery:

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Camowen Clanrye Culdaff Deele Dennett Derg Drumragh Faughan Finn Foyle Glenelly Mourne Owenkillew Reelan Roe Strule Whitewater Not recorded Totals

Table 9

390 18

408

50 2

March No. Kgs.

187

146

18 351

2 49

April No. Kgs

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007 38

5 9 1617

2 252

405

65 1052 12

16 160 2

426

18 9 1

68 154 2 1 131

118 1 369 295

1 589 4 1548 1258

July No. Kgs. 10 50

92 6 334 98 1

1 443 34 1564 463 4

August No. Kgs. 13 65

2 13 421 1947 444 2743 8 42 38 188 5 29 2 6 92 85 384 168 969 60 55 291 47 245 5 6 39 10 52 7 36 6 20 2025 1383 6233 1260 6802

290 687 16 9 658

168

June No Kgs 7 40

May No Kgs

ROD CATCH RETURNS (SALMON & GRILSE) 2007

7 3 31 10 230 23 5 12 361 39 1 148 33 7 5 921

34 8 160 40 1267 91 37 79 2234 212 6 922 176 30 21 5350

September No. Kgs. 6 33

81 23 20 2 586

19 219 48

30 2 115

Totals No. Kgs. 54 295 0 0 0 0 44 18 87 3 8 155 310 1544 8 19 86 636 1132 5370 805 4128 12 87 114 34 215 1411 1660 9544 269 133 711 9 48 560 500 2927 154 172 964 119 44 245 10 24 114 3587 4929 26373

October No. Kgs. 18 107

Table 9 Rod Catch Returns (Salmon & Grilse) 2007

Camowen Drumragh Derg Drumragh Faughan Finn Foyle Glenelly Mourne Owenkillew Reelan Roe Strule Whitewater Not Recorded Totals

Table 10

3 12

7 2

4 17

9 4

March No. Kgs.

7 17

5 21

April No. Kgs. 1 1

11 38

5 9 6

23 65

5 7 23

May No. Kgs. 2 2

1 5 4 18 52

10 6 2

2 5 12 17 62

7 6 6

June No. Kgs. 2 2

14 12 12 9 117

11 4

3 1 29 21 1

17 21 40 9 167

14 5

3 1 33 22 2

July No. Kgs.

12 7 11 12 71

6 3

10 5 1

12 7 37 35 134

18 3

10 7 2

August No. Kgs. 1 1

ROAD CATCH RETURNS (TROUT) 2007

1 1 7 18 46

3 1

5 3

5 1 23 16 78

6 4

5 8

September No. Kgs. 7 10

12 8 26

1 2

47 8 65

1 2

October No. Kgs.

Totals No. Kgs. 13 16 0 0 7 6 10 10 57 63 52 55 12 37 0 0 25 44 8 12 0 0 31 43 32 47 46 159 86 117 379 609

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Table 10 Rod Catch Returns (Trout) 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Table 11 Angling Returns

Year

Declared Rod Catch Salmon

Declared Rod Catch Sea Trout

Returns as a % of Licences Issued

1999

1022

679

3.74

2000

723

417

2.55

2001

3188

450

17.68

2002

5117

1010

27.93

2003

1844

361

15.5

2004

2285

13.99

2005

4084

413

25.77

2006

3476

469

2007

4929

379

22.11

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Table 12 Distribution of Rod Licences 2007 Place of Residence

Season Adult

Endorsement 14 Days

3 Days

Juvenile Coarse Adult & Juvenile

Foyle & Carlingford Area

3066

1493

723

220

157

Rest of NI

418

2759

526

Rest of ROI

271

217

TOTAL

3575

4523

1466 256

196

England

Scotland Wales

IoM

TOTAL

Spain

Austria

Belgium

France

Germany

Italy TOTAL

3 2

2 3

America

South Africa

New Zealand Not Recorded

TOTAL

OVERALL TOTAL

3595

4543

122

1547

263

202

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Table 13 Number of Draft Consents to Discharge Considered 2003 - 2007 Nature of Effluent

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Sewage Treatment

105

Sandwashing/Quarry

Landfill

Industrial

Fish Farm

Storm Water

Peat Abstraction

Dumping at Sea

Vehicle Wash

Filling Station/Oil Distribution

Food Processing

TOTALS

118

187

Table 14 Details of Sampling of Discharges for Pollution Investigation 2007 Nature of Effluent

Number of Samples Taken 2007

Farm Wastes

Sewage

Trade Wastes

Others

Totals

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Pollution and Fisheries Habitat Related Incidents Investigated by Staff

Table 15A Pollution and Fisheries Habitat Related Incidents Investigated by Staff Central Zone WATERCOURSE

INCIDENTS

Mourne Beg

Leaghany River

Coneyglen Burn

Glenlark Burn

Owenkillew

Trib of Glenelly

Mourne

Derg

Owenreagh East

Total

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Table 15 B Pollution and Fisheries Habitat Related Incidents Investigated by Staff Eastern Zone WATERCOURSE

INCIDENTS

Muff River

Burngibbagh

Burn Dennett

Owenbeg

Wood Burn

Bovevagh River

Castle River

River Roe

Glenmornan

Faughan

Foyle South

Total

Table 15 C Pollution and Fisheries Habitat Related Incidents Investigated by Staff Western Zone

WATERCOURSE

INCIDENTS

Culdaff River

Burn Dennett

Altnapaste

Rough Burn

Drumboe Burn

Deele River

Finn

Culdaff

Breda

Total

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Table 15 D Pollution and Fisheries Habitat Related Incidents Investigated by Staff Carlingford Area WATERCOURSE

INCIDENTS

White Water

Cassy Water

Kilbroney River

Ghann River

Moygannon River

Clanrye (Upstream)

Clanrye

Newry River

Bessbrook River

Ryland River

Greenore River

Total

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Table 15 E Pollution and Fisheries Habitat Related Incidents Investigated by Staff Southern Area WATERCOURSE

INCIDENTS

Drumquin River

Routing Burn

Glenscollip Burn

Quiggery River

Drumragh River

Drumnakilly Burn

Owenreagh

Cappagh Burn

Altnagh River

Killyclogher

Fairywater

Gillygooly Burn

Strule

Drumragh

Total

Table 15 F Pollution and Fisheries Habitat Related Incidents Investigated by Staff Totals

WATERCOURSE

INCIDENTS

Central Zone

Eastern Zone

Western Zone

Southern Zone

Carlingford Area

Total

163

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

River Sampling Programme A total of 92 sites were sampled for biological and chemical analysis of rivers within the Foyle and Carlingford hydrological catchments. The period of sampling was from June to September 2007 inclusive. The sampling sites are distributed throughout the five zones as shown below: West East Central Southern Carlingford

21 sites 22 sites 16 sites 17 sites 16 sites

Each of the 92 sites were sampled to assess chemical quality once every month during the field season. Each site was invertebrate sampled using a rapid identification method during electro fishing. Each of the 92 sites were assessed for Macro invertebrate taxa once during the season using a detailed laboratory sort method.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Table 16 Details of Court Hearings 2007

Nature of Offence

Charges Initiated Successful

Unsuccessful

4 Unlawful angling

5 Possession of gaff or illegal instrument

6 Snatching offences

7 Trespass on a Several Fishery

8 Using a net in a prohibited area

9 Possession/use of unlawful net

10 Fishing a net during close or suspended period

11 Assaulting/impeding an authorised person

12 Unlawful possession of fish

1 Angling without a licence 2 Angling during close time 3 Angling in prohibited area

13 Using a boat/vehicle as an aid to an offence 14 Exceeding breaking strain 15 Permitted deleterious matter to enter a river 16 Caused deleterious matter to enter a river

17 Salmon dealing offences 18 Erect/make use of a fixed engine

19 Failure to provide name / false details

Total Charges

* Court cases can occur up to 2 years after initial detection

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Table 17 Rod Licences 2003 – 2007 Description

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

No. of Licences

Licence Duty (£)

Season

2,529

2,781

2,933

2,899

3,595

57,520.00

Adult Coarse

109

152

197

178

2848.00

Juvenile

1,340

1,549

1,619

1,523

1,822

3644.00

Juvenile Coarse

48.00

Endorsement

3,595

4,169

4,796

4,839

4,543

4543.00

Fourteen - Day

122

912.00

3 Day

838

1,035

1,125

959

1,547

5414.50

TOTALS

8,518

9,727

10,779

10,564

11,831

74,929.50

Table 18 Angling Permits 2007 Type of Permit

2007 No

2007 £

River Foyle

1080.00

River Foyle Juvenile

40.00

River Finn

190

3800.00

River Finn Juvenile

130.00

Totals

261

5050.00

Table 19 Net Licences 2007 2007 Description of Licence

No. of Licences Sold

Licence Fee (£)

Licence Duty Paid (£)

Draft (River Foyle)

179

1790

Drift (Lough Foyle)

253

4554

TOTALS

432

6344

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Table 20 Salmon Dealers Licences 2007

Residence of Dealer

No. of Licences Issued

Republic Of Ireland

Northern Ireland

TOTALS

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Gníomhaireacht Na Lochanna Tuarascáil Bhliantúil Ag Cuimsiú na Tréimhse ó 1 Eanáir 2007 go 31 Nollaig 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Gníomhaireacht Na Lochanna

Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Cuntais don tréimhse dar chríoch 31 Nollaig 2007

A leagadh faoi bhráid Thionól Thuaisceart na hÉireann agus dhá Theach an Oireachtais de réir an Chomhoibriú Thuaidh/Theas (Comhlachtaí Feidhmithe) (Tuaisceart na hÉireann) Ordú 1999 Sceideal 1, Iarscríbhinnn 2, Cuid 7, Paragraif 1.3 agus 2.6

NIA (cuir isteach uimhir)

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

CLÁR ÁBHAR 1.

Forbhreathnú An Phríomhfheidhmeannaigh

Ráiteas Misin

Cuspóirí

Comhaltaí Boird

An Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas

Fóram Comhairleach Cheantar An Fheabhail Agus Chairlinn

Foirniú

Forbairt Foirne

Teicneolaíocht An Eolais

10.

Ionad Oideachais Agus Léirithe “Riverwatch”

11.

Bainistíocht Agus Forbairt Na Niascach

12.

Dobharshaothrú Agus Iascaigh Shliogéisc

13.

Turasóireacht Mhuirí

14.

Cur Chun Cinn Na Slatiascaireachta

Aguisín 1 – Táirgeacht In Aghaidh Spriocanna Aguisín 2 – Caomhnú, Cosaint Agus Staidreamh Bainistíochta Iascach Tábla 1 Áirimh Sceathraí Cheantar An Fheabhail 1996/97 – 2007/08 Tábla 2 Sonraí Áiritheoirí Éisc Cheantar An Feabhail 1989 - 2007 Tábla 3 Sonraí Áiritheoirí Éisc Cheantar An Feabhail Go 31Ú Nollaig 2007

86 92

92 93 94

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Tábla 4 Gabhálacha Seachtainiúla Bradán Agus Bláthán Cheantar An Fheabhail Tábla 5 Gabhálacha Bliantúla Bradán Agus Bláthán Cheantar An Fheabhail Tábla 6 Meánghabhálacha Bliantúla Bradán Agus Bláthán Cheantar An Fheabhail Tábla 7 Líon Na Gceadúnas Tráchtála A Eisíodh 1998 - 2007 Tábla 8 Cion Gabhálacha Lín A Tógadh I Gceantar An Fheabhail Tábla 9 Tuaireascáin Ghabhála Slaite (Bradán & Bláthán) 2007 Tábla 10 Tuaireascáin Ghabhála Slaite (Breac) 2007 Tábla 11 Tuaireascáin Shlatiascaireachta Tábla 12 Dáileadh Ceadúnas Slaite 2007 Tábla 13 Líon Na Dtoilithe Tarraingthe Le Scaoileadh A Breithníodh 2003 - 2007 Tábla 14 Sonraí Samplála Scaoiltí D’fhiosrú Truaillithe 2007 Eachtraí Truaillithe Agus Iascach Bainte Le Gnáthóg A D’Fhiosraigh An Fhoireann Tábla 15 A An Crios Láir Tábla 15 B An Crios Thoir Tábla 15 C An Crios Thiar Tábla 15 D Crios Chairlinn Tábla 15 E An Crios Theas Tábla 15 F Eachtraí Iomlán Truaillithe Agus Iascach Bainte Le Gnáthóg A D’fhiosraigh An Fhoireann Tábla 16 Sonraí Éisteachtaí Cúirte 2007 Tábla 17 Ceadúnais Slaite 2003 – 2007 Tábla 18 Ceadúnais Slatiascaireachta 2007 Tábla 19 Ceadúnais Lín 2007 Tábla 20 Ceadúnais Dhéileálaithe Bradán 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

95 96 96 97 97 98 99 100 101 102 102 103 103 104 104 105 106 106 108 109 109 109 110

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

1.Forbhreathnú An Phríomhfheidh Meannaigh Tá lúcháir orm Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2007 a chur i láthair a leagann amach gnóthachtáil an eagrais agus na dúshláin a theagmhaigh linn i rith na bliana. D’aibhsigh forbhreathnú ár bhfeidhmíochta thar thréimhse na tuarascála seo an gá atá le díriú níos mó ar fhaisnéis agus chumarsáid. D’aithin an Bord agus an Ghníomaireacht riamh má tá forbairt inbhuanaithe acmhainní Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn le baint amach go dteastaíonn ní amháin caidreamh eolasach le custaiméirí díreacha na Gníomhaireachta ach gur ríthábachtach é próifíl na n-aibhneacha, na lochanna agus a n-abhantrach a ardú agus aird a tharraingt ar a oscailte atá siad do thionchair shochaí an 21ú aois, dóibh siúd nach eol dóibh a bpáirt sa bhrú comhshaoil faoina mbíonn na hacmhainní nádúrtha seo. . Thug dhá shainghné d’ár bPlean Corparáideach 2005-2007 aghaidh ar an cheist seo, cruthú Fhóram Comhairleach Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn agus fócas an chlár for-rochtana nó oideachais trí Riverwatch agus a uisceadáin a leathnaíodh le déanaí. I 2006 gabhadh próiseas neamhspleách earcaithe in áit an chéad Fhóram Comhairleach (a scoireadh i 2005). Bhí an fóram nua comhairleach faoi lánseol i 2007, ag díriú ar cheisteanna a bheadh tábhachtach ag páirtithe leasmhara agus ar an dóigh sin ag cur le cinnteoireacht éifeachtach. Bíonn an Ghníomhaireacht ag méadú a comhairlithe poiblí i soláthar leanúnach a feidhmeanna. I dtaca lenár bhfreagrachtaí as Iascaigh Bhradán agus Intíre, creidimid go léiríonn an t-athbhreithniú seo a thábhachtaí atá foirmiú ár ndíospóireachtaí le páirtithe leasmara agus daoine eile a mbeidh tionchar acu ar tháirgiúlacht na n-acmhainní seo. Mar an gcéanna díríodh ár saothar for-rochtana trí Ionad Léirithe na Gníomhaireachta “Riverwatch”, a ghnóthaigh breis agus 30,000 cuairteoir agus a d’ardaigh go suntasach próifíl na n-iascach, acmhainní muirí agus comhshaoil, Abhantrach an Fheabhail go háirithe, agus thaispeáin fosta na hacmhainní agus a leochaileacht. Chuaigh forbairt chóras bainistíochta na Gníomhaireachta do stoic shalmainide na n-abhantrach chun tosaigh le tuilleadh oibre ar an chlár géineolaíochta atá á choimisiúnú agus ar fhorbairt shamhail fhlúirse réamh-iascach do stoic na mbradán i Limistéar an Fheabhail atá á tionscnamh i gcomhar leis an Roinn Talmhaíochta agus Forbartha Tuaithe, Foras na Mara, Ollscoil Ghlaschú agus Institute National de la Recherché Agronomique, An Fhrainc. Le linn thréimhse na tuarascála seo tá stoic bhradán i Limistéar an Fheabhail i gcónaí ag teacht le teorainneacha caomhnaithe. Leanann an obair leis na stoic i Limistéar Chairlinn a athshlánú. Thacaigh Ciste Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Comhtháthaithe Cheantar Eacnamaíoch na hEorpa (CEE) leis an obair seo trí chiste a sholáthar d’áiritheoir ar An Rí ag Iúr Cinn Trá agus d’athshuíomh 7 n-aonad gnáthóige in-srutha ar réimsí uachtair na habhann. Cisteofar obair den chineál céanna fosta ón fhoinse seo ar An Daoil i gContae Dhún na nGall. Tugadh faoi oibreacha eile athshuite ar fud na n-abantrach mar chuid de chlár caomnaithe agus cosanta na Gníomhaireachta. De réir Threoir na nGnáthóg (Treoir ón Chomhairle 92/43/CEE 21 Bealtaine 1992), mholtaí Eagras Caomhnaithe Bradán an Atlantaigh Thuaidh agus an Chomhairle Idirnáisiúnta um Shaothrú na Mara, caithfidh an Ghníomhaireacht iascaigh bhradán tráchtála Limistéar an Fheabhail a chuíchóiriú. Ba iad ár soithí cosanta iascaigh ag obair san iascach a bhailigh na bunsonraí a thacaigh leis an chinneadh seo, an gréasán imirce bradán fásta a taifeadadh ag na háiseanna áireamh éisc, na suirbhéanna gnáthóg agus leictriascaireachta a cuireadh i láthair inár dTuairiscí Stádais agus an obair ar tugadh fúithi ar dhifríocht ghéineolaíoch na stoc bradán. Ba é an faireachán seo a mhúnlaigh an córas bainistíochta do na hiascaigh thráchtála agus aeraíochta a feidhmíodh i 2007. Chun an cruatan a aithint a d’fhulaigeofaí trí fheidhmiú an chomhlíonta seo, fuair an Ghníomhaireacht faomhadh “pacáiste cruatain” dóibh siúd a bhíonn ag obair in iascaigh idircheaptha, arbh éigean dóibh stad den iascaireacht agus do na hiascairí eile sruthlíontóireachta agus líonta tarraingthe tráchtála ar tairgeadh deis dheonach dóibh le scor den iascaireacht. Tugadh sraith rialachán chun tosaigh lena chinntiú nach gcuirfeadh básmhaireacht na slatiascaireachta ar neamhní sochar aon fheabhsú a ghinfeadh an cuíchóiriú. Creidimid go raibh an t-eolas a bhí muid in ann a thabhairt do na páirtithe leasmhara ar ionchais feasta stoic an bhradáin agus ar an éileamh le hiad a chosaint le tuilleadh rialuithe, sách láidir lena chinntiú go soláthródh críochaontú an phacáiste chruatain an cuíchóiriú, ar bhonn deonach, gan tarraingt siar éigeantach ón earnáil. D’éirigh linn líon na gceadúnas atá ar fáil san iascach sruthlíontóireachta a laghdú ó 112 go 18 agus san iascach líonta tarraingthe ó 50 go 10 agus ar an dóigh sin, ag cur iascach inbhuanaithe tráchtála ar fáil amach anseo. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht tiomanta ar chinnteoireacht bunaithe ar an fhianaise. Bhí tábhacht le comhairliú múnlaithe i dtaca le dualgais na Gníomhaireachta don dobharshaothú agus do na hiascaigh shliogéisc agus muid ag forbairt shraith rialachán leis an iascach fia-oisrí i Loch Feabhail a chaomhnú agus a chosaint. Le linn thréimhse na tuarascála seo tugadh faoi mhéid suntasach réamhoibre i limistéar thuarasóireacht na mara agus forbairt na slatiascaireachta aeraíochta. Ba é a thoradh seo comhairliú suntasach le páirtithe ábhartha leasmhara agus ullmhú tairisceana ar chlár úr INTERREG, atá le fógairt go luath i 2008. Is mian liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl don Bhord atá ag imeacht as a dtacaíocht agus a dtiomantas ó thioncnamh Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Leag a n-ionchar agus a

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2006 2007

bpáirtíocht dúshraith dhaingean don Bhord úr. Fáiltím roimh an Bhord úr agus mé ag dúil le bheith ag obair leo sna blianta romhainn.

Is mian liom fosta buíochas a ghabháil le foireann Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna as a saineolas, a ngairmiúlacht agus as a dtiomantas do sholáthar ár gcúraimí. Derick Anderson Príomhfheidhmeannach

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

2.Ráiteas Misin Is é aidhm Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna sochair inbhuanaithe, shóisialta, gheilleagracha agus chomhshaoil a chur ar fáil trí chaomhnú, chosaint, bhainistíocht, chur chun cinn agus fhorbairt éifeachtach iascaigh agus acmhainní muirí Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

3.Cuspóirí Is iad príomhchuspóirí na Gníomhaireachta i Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn:• Iascaigh bhradáin agus intíre an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn a chaomhnú agus a chosaint; • Iascaigh bhradáin agus intíre an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn a bhainistiú agus a fhorbairt; • Forbairt Loch Feabhail agus Loch Chairlinn a chur chun cinn ar chuspórí tráchtála agus áineasa; • Dobharshaothrú a cheadúnú agus a fhorbairt; • Turasóireacht mhuirí a fhorbairt; • Éifeachtacht mhéadaithe agus feabhsú leanúnach i soláthar seirbhísí d’iomlán na gcustaiméirí a lorg; • Úsáid éifeachtúil, éifeachtach agus tíosach na n-acmhainní atá ar fáil ag an Ghníomhaireacht a chinntiú. Féach Aguisín 1 do tháirgeacht in aghaidh chuspóirí agus spriocanna.

4.Comhaltaí Boird I mí na Nollag 2007 chríochnaigh téarma an bhoird reatha agus cheap na hAirí Bord úr dáréag ó 13ú Nollaig. Mar seo a leanas sonraí na gcomhaltaí: An tUas Tarlach Ó Crosáin An tUas Peter Savage Jacqui Iníon McConville An tUas Jack Allen Siobhán Iníon Logue An tUas Joseph Martin An tUas Dick Blakiston-Houston An tUas Francis Feely An Dr Patrick Griffin An tUas Andrew Ward An tUas Enda Bonner An tUas Brendan Byrne

Athcheapadh 13/12/07 Téarma thart 12/12/07 Athcheapadh 13/12/07 Téarma thart 12/12/07 Téarma thart 12/12/07 Téarma thart 12/12/07 Téarma thart 12/12/07 Téarma thart 12/12/07 Téarma thart 12/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Cathaoirleach Iarchathaoirleach Leaschathaoirleach

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts An tUas John Byrne An tUas Denis Haughey An tUas Alan McCulla An tUas Joe Miller An tUas John Mulcahy An tUas Winston Patterson An tUas Thomas Sloan An tUas Jim Wilson

2007

Ceapadh 13/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07 Ceapadh 13/12/07

Cruinnithe Boird 40ú 41ú

Céadaoin Céadaoin

10 07

Eanáir 2007 Márta 2007

42ú

Céadaoin

Bealtaine 2007

43ú

Céadaoin

Meitheamh 2007

44ú

Céadaoin

Lúnasa 2007

45ú 46ú

Céadaoin Céadaoin

24 12

D. Fómhair 2007 Nollaig 2007

Óstán Cathrach Ard Mhacha CC Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna Préachán Óstán Bhaile Mhic Scanláin Dún Dealgan CC Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna Préachán CC Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna Préachán Óstán na gCeithre Ráithe Cairlinn CC Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna Préachán

Tá miontuairiscí na gcruinnithe thuas le fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta www.loughs-agency.org

5.An Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas Tionóladh an chéad chruinniú Earnála Dobharshaothrú & Muirí an CATT ó athbhunú Fheidhmeannas agus Thionól Thuaisceart na hÉireann i gCeanncheathrú Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna i bPréachán Dé Céadaoin 21 Samhain 2007. Luaigh an Chomhairle an dul chun cinn a rinneadh ón chruinniú deiridh in Aibreán 2002 agus phléigh siad rith reachtaíochta sa dá dhlínse i 2007, a bhronn cumhachtaí ar Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna le dobharshaothrú agus iascaigh shliogéisc a rialú i limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn araon. Ar na réimsí eile a pléadh bhí: • Tabhairt isteach phacáiste cruatain a chuirfeadh méid áirithe faoisimh ar fáil dóibh siúd atá thíos le scor iascaireacht sruthlín agus lín tharraingthe an bhradáin i limistéar an Fheabhail. • Plean Corparáideach don tréimhse 2008-2010 agus Plean Gnó do 2008, faoi réir bhreithnithe buiséid ag an Fheidhmeannas agus Rialtas na hÉireann. • Straitéis Forbartha Thurasóireachta Muirí don tréimhse 2008 go 2013, faoi réir infhaighteacht chistithe faoi chlár an AE don Chomhar Críche Trasteorann.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

• Beartas Cúnamh Airgid le riar an chúnaimh dheontais a mhaoirseacht ag tacú le forbairt shlatiascaireachta, caomhnú agus cosaint iascach, turasóireacht mhuirí agus dobharshaothrú. • Tuarascáil Bhliantúil agus Ráitis Airgeadais 2006. • Ceannach molta shoitheach faireacháin faoi réir infhaighteacht chistithe faoi Ionstraim Airgeadais an AE do Threoir Iascach (IATI). • Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Limistéar Chairlinn (Slatiascaireacht) (Leasú Uimh 2) Rialacháin 2007 ar chóir dó dea-thionchar a oibriú ar chaomhnú agus chosaint stoc bradán i limistéar Abhainn na Finne. • Forbairt rialachán le rialú shlatiascaireacht agus gharbhiascaireacht bhradán a fheabhsú agus leis an dobharshaothú a cheadúnú agus a fhor bairt.

6.Fóram Comhairleach Cheantar an Fheabhail agus Chairlinne 10 28 18 27

Eanáir Feabhra Aibreán M. Fómhair

2007 2007 2007 2007

Óstán Cathrach Ard Mhacha Óstán Bhun na hAbhann Doire Óstán Chúirt na Canála Iúr Cinn Trá Óstán Beithgheal An Ómaigh

Tá miontuairiscí na gcruinnithe thuas le fáil ar shuíomh gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta www.loughs-agency.org

7.Foirniú Críochnaíodh agus faomhadh athbhreithniú struchtúr foirniú na Gníomhaireachta go luath i 2006, agus bhí earcú iomlán na bpost críochnaithe i Meitheamh 2007. Oibríonn an Ghníomhaireacht anois taobh istigh de struchtúr cheithre Stiúrthóireacht (Seirbhísí Corparáideacha, Caomhnú & Cosaint, Dobharshaothrú & Iascaigh Shliogéisc agus Forbairt) atá anois faoi lánseol le croífhoirniú faofa reatha ar leibhéal 53.

Derick Anderson

Príomhfheidhmeannac

John Pollock

John McCartney

Gerard Mills

Barry Fox

Stiúrthóir Seirbhísí Corparáideacha

Stiúrthóir Caomhnaithe agus Cosanta

Stiúrthóir Forbartha

Stiúrthóir Dobharshaothraithe & Iascach Sliogéisc

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

8.Forbairt Foirne Ar feadh na bliana thug an Ghníomhaireacht aghaidh ar riachtanais oiliúna agus fhorbartha na foirne, ag díriú ar choinneáil faisnéise agus scileanna agus ar inspreagadh a chuideodh le cuspóirí an eagrais agus riachtanais daoine a thabhairt i gcrích. Orthu seo bhí Córas Faisnéise Geografaí, Póilíneacht agus Fianaise Choiriúil, ardbhádóireacht, cuntasóireacht, cleachtas imscrúdaithe agus réimsé cúrsaí a bhain le feasacht comhionannais, sláinte agus sábháilteacht agus IT.

9.Teicneolaíocht An Eolais Le linn 2007 d’infheistigh an Ghníomhaireacht in aonaid Logáil Sonraí Trimble GPS a úsáideann ár bhfoireann alamaigh i suirbhéanna fionnuisce agus muirí ar a mbíonn sonraí gnáthóg, líon láithreacha sceathraí agus leictriascaireachta. Leanadh d’fhorbairt an chlár áiritheoirí éisc leis An Rí (Iúr Cinn Trá) agus An tSruthail (An Ómaigh) agus an dá cheann acu ag teacht ar líne ag tarraingt ar dheireadh na bliana. Lean forbairt shuíomh gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta, www.loughs-agency.org le seoladh na rannóga turasóireachta muirí agus is léir cheana féin gur an-áisiúil an uirlis é i gcomhair scaipeadh faisnéise ar an turasóir. Tá rannóga eile ar chaomhnú agus ar fhorbairt atá beartaithe do 2008.

10.Ionad Oideachais Agus Léirithe “Riverwatch” Dhírigh ár saothar for-rochtana trí Ionad Léirithe na Gníomhaireachta “Riverwatch” a ghnóthaigh breis agus 30,000 cuairteoir agus a d’ardaigh go suntasach próifíl na n-iascach, acmhainní muirí agus comhshaoil, Abhantrach an Fheabhail go háirithe, agus a thaispeánann fosta na hacmhainní agus a leochaileacht. I 2007, sháraigh líon na gcuairteoirí 8,000. Tá an fhigiúr seo beagán faoin líon ionchais mar gheall cuid mhaith ar dhúnadh cothabhála dhá mhí le linn na bliana. Cé gur páistí bunscoile iad bunús na gcuairteoirí táimid ag díriú níos mó ar ghrúpaí iar-bhunscoile agus ar dhaoine fásta. Tá deiseanna le hacmhainní na habhantraí a chosaint, a fhorbairt agus a chleachtadh á gcur chun cinn tuilleadh ag cláir fhor-rochtana mar ‘Bradán sa Seomra Ranga’, ‘Tionscnamh Ghníomhaireacht Cheartas Óige’ do chiontóirí óga agus na ‘Tograí Faireacháin Chomhshaoil’ s’againn.

11.Bainistíocht Agus Forbairt Na nIascach Tá an córas bainistíochta a oibríonn don bhradán in Abhantrach an Fheabhail uathúil san Atlantach Thoir-Thuaidh agus bhunaigh Coimisiún Iascach an Fheabhail é tar éis tuarascála le PF Elson agus ALW Tuomi, “The Foyle Fisheries, New Basis for Rational Management” a foilsíodh i 1975.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Eagras Caomhnú Bhradán an Atlantaigh Thuaidh (ECBAT), comhlacht idir-rialtasach a bunaíodh faoi chonradh agus a fhaigheann a bhallraíocht ó SAM, ón Rúis, ó Cheanada, ón Ghraonlainn, ón Aontas Eorpach agus ó thíortha eile, ghríosaigh sé a chuid ball le cur chuige réamhchúramach a ghabháil i dtaca le bainistíocht bhradán agus d’fhéach Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna leis an treoir sin a leanúint. Beachtaíodh straitéis bhainistíocht bhradán na Gníomhaireachta le hathbhreithniú iomlán spriocanna céimshriain lenár gComhairleoirí Eolaíocha i 1998. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht tiomanta ar leanúint lena chinntiú go mbeidh ár bhfeidhmiú sonraí i dtosach na teicneolaíochta atá ar fáil, agus i 2007 thosaigh sí a fheidhmiú Shamhail an Limistéir Fhliuchta ar chuspóirí comparáideacha don chéimshrian. Lean an Ghníomhaireacht ag cinntiú go bhfeidhmeofar an dea-chleachtas bainistíochta is fearr dá hiascaigh bhradán trí mhac léinn Iarchéime a choinneáil le taighde a dhéanamh ar shamhail Fhlúirse Réamh-Iascaigh i limistéar an Fheabhail. Tá an togra seo faoi lánseol, agus tá súil go gcríochnófar é i 2008. Lean foireann na Gníomhaireachta de chomhordú sonraí ábhartha ar phointí iniúchta do bhainistíocht bradán. Tá na bradáin faoi shíorbhagairt ó réimse fachtóirí idirghaolmhara ina measc gnáthóg dhíghrádaithe in-abhainn, truailliú, cleachtas athraitheach talmhaíochta agus foraoiseachta agus creachóireacht ag cailleacha dubha agus rónta. D’fhéach an Ghníomhaireacht le tabhairt faoi na fachtóirí rannpháirteacha seo uilig. D’ullmhaigh Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna tuarascálacha stádais abhantraí ag cur síos ar na príomhcheisteanna a oibríonn taobh istigh de gach abhantrach agus ag cur faisnéise ábhartha eolaíochta i láthair. Tá siad seo le fáil ar leathanaigh ghréasáin Chaomhnaithe agus Chosanta shuíomh gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta. Cuireadh ar fáil Staidreamh Caomhnaithe, Cosanta agus Bainisíochta do shéasúr 2007 agus tá siad faoi iamh in Aguisín 2. I 2007 chuimsigh foireann na Gníomhaireachta faireachán chaighdeán an uisce agus beatha mhaicrinveirteabrach mhion-chraobhaibhneacha i bpointí iniúchta shaol na mbradán lena chinntiú go dtabharfaí faoi bhainistíocht iascach na Gníomhaireachta le dearcadh iomlánaíoch ar an éiceachóras leathan. Chuidigh seo lenár bhfoireann alamaigh le hidirdhealú idir ceisteanna a bhaineann le truailliú uisce, dochar do ghnáthóga agus rochtain ábhartha d’éisc imirce a lig don Ghníomhaireacht díriú ar réimse beart éagsúil le tabhairt ar dhóigh straitéiseach faoi na ceisteanna a aithníodh. Rinneadh grinnscrúdú i 2007 ar sheasamh na Gníomhaireachta i dtaca le hathstocáil aibhneacha. Dar le cuid de na páirtithe leasmhara, ba chóir don Ghníomhaireacht bogadh i dtreo úsáid stoc agus chlár gorlainne. Is féidir amach anseo go rachadh foireann eolaíochta agus comhairleoirí na Gníomhaireachta leis an chineál seo cláir, ach sa chás amháin go mbeadh ceisteanna chaighdeán an uisce agus na ngnáthóg lánreitithe, agus go raibh deis oiriúnach ann i gcomhair stocála nádúrtha. Is é an cur chuige seo is dócha a bheas éifeachtach san

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

fhadtréimhse agus ní athróidh sé go saorga comhdhéanamh géiniteach an ghorstoic nádúrtha. Cloíonn sé seo leis an chomhairle dhea-chleachtais a fuarthas ó thuarascálacha géiniteacha bradán an Gníomhaireachta agus ó theoirlínte prionsabal réamhchúramach.

Pointí Iniúchta Bhainistíocht Bradán Gabhálacha Tráchtála I 2007 tugadh isteach Scéim Chruatain Iascach Tráchtála Bradán, mar bharr ar éilimh Threoir maidir le Gnáthóga ar Chaomhnú Ghnáthóg Nádúrtha agus Ainmhithe agus Bláthanna Fiáine. Is breá leis an Ghníomhaireacht gur éirigh leis an Phacáiste Cruatain a thug sí isteach an laghdú san iarracht iascaireachta a theastaigh a bhaint amach go hiomlán ar bhonn deonach. Le héilimh an Treoir Ghnáthóg a shásamh thug an Ghníomhaireacht isteach bearta le scor den iascach incheaptha ar stoic nach raibh ag sroicheadh a dteorainneacha caomhnaithe. Léiríodh go raibh an t-iascach ar thaobh na farraige de Loch Feabhail ag oibriú tionchair ar stoic den sórt sin in Éirinn, sa Bhreatain Mhór agus taobh thall de; scoireadh den iascach seo i 2007. Go stairiúil, saothraíodh na stoic i Loch Feabhail ag tuairim is ar 30 sruthlíon, gach ceann acu ag iascach 900 méadar lín. D’fhéach scéim na Gníomhaireachta le cuíchóiriú an iascaigh thráchtála a dhearbhú ar an uimhir seo, agus mhol sí go laghdófaí tuilleadh an iarracht iascaireachta trí laghdú fad na líon a thiocfadh a iascach go 500 méadar. Na hiarratasóirí uilig ar cheadúnas sruthlín a bhfaofaí a n-iarratais i 2007, tairgeadh an Pacáiste Cruatain dóibh ar an bhonn go rachadh siad i “gconradh” le scor go buan d’iascach tráchtála bradán, go ndéanfadh siad a líonta a dhíchoimisiúnú agus go dtiomnódh siad d’aisíoc an phacáiste dá dtiocfaí orthu i mbun iascach tráchtála bradán. De na 112 ceadúnas i dteideal ní raibh ach 18 a dhiúltaigh don Phacáiste agus níorbh éigean do réim rialála na Gníomhaireachta an laghdú san iarracht sruthlín a theastaigh a fheidhmiú (.i. go 30 líon i Loch Feabhail). San iascach líon tarraingthe áit a mbíonn suas le 50 ceadúnas ar fáil gach bliain, ní raibh aon laghdú a dhíth ó bhí na stoic uilig a shaothraigh na líonta seo, stoic na Moirne, na Finne agus a gcraobhaibhneacha ag baint amach a dteorainneacha caomhnaithe. Ach, 40 de na 50 ceadúnas líon tarraingthe ar faomhadh a n-iarratais i 2007 roghnaigh siad glacadh leis an Phacáiste Cruatain ar an tiomnú céanna a rinne a gcomhghleacaithe sruthlíonta. Tá caidhp anois ar Iascaigh Sruthlín agus Líon Tarraingthe araon ag líon na gceadúnas a tugadh amach anuraidh. Níor tugadh isteach aon druidim nó leathnú ar iascaigh áineasa nó tráchtála le linn Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

2007 mar gheall go áirithe ar an drochaimsir a mhair an chuid is mó den samhradh. Bhí leibhéil an uisce ard ar feadh na tréimhse Meitheamh go Lúnasa. I bhfírinne bhí áiseanna áireamh éisc ag Cora Mhuileann an tSiáin “nite amach” rud a lig do na bradáin ar a n-inimirce seoladh thar an chora gan a n-áireamh. Bhí laghdú suntasach ar na gabhálacha tráchtála iascaigh i 2007 ó na blianta roimhe sin, mar gheall ar an iarracht laghdaithe. Féach tábla A thíos: Tábla A Bliain

Sruth

Tarr.

Sruth agus Tarraingt

2000

23069

12628

35697

2001

13500

9476

22976

2002

28851

11917

40768

2003

15741

16991

32732

2004

12800

9490

22290

2005

13391

12143

25534

2006

6160

6031

12191

2007

2598

2774

5372

Áiritheoirí Éisc Choimisiúnaigh an Ghníomhaireacht dhá áiritheoir úr éisc san Ómaigh ar an tSruthail agus in Iúr Cinn Trá ar an Rí, a chuirfeas le cumas cheartbhainistíocht stoc éisc limistéar an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Ós áiseanna úra iad ní dhearnadh aon obair bailíochtaithe go fóill ar na suímh seo. Mar atá amhlaidh le cuid eile de na háiseanna, ní chlúdaíonn siad seo cainéal iomlán na habhann agus ó tá a fhios gur scoith éisc an limistéar áirimh, ba chóir iad seo a mheas ina n-áirimh íosmhéid, a chuirfeas ar fáil comparadóirí áisiúla bhliain ar bhliain. Tá mionsonraí comparáideacha áireamh éisc i dTábla B thíos: Tábla B

2005

2006

2007

An Fhochain

4245

3399

1257

An Fhinn

8571

5700

3278

Muil. an tSiáin

9397

9352

3714

An Ró

2917

1213

5375

An Charraig

1269

228

1705

An tIúr

An Ómaigh

126

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Measadh áirimh na Fochaine agus Mhuileann an tSiáin i 2007 a bheith míshásúil agus easpach mar gheall ar dhála an-arda uisce mall san earrach agus luath sa samhradh a lig d’éisc na coraí a thrasnú gan dul trí na háiritheoirí éisc. Loitiméireacht ar an áiritheoir ba chúis le háireamh íseal na Carraige i 2006. Cé gurbh an-ábhar díomá é áireamh na Finne, is ábhar spéise é gur taifeadadh an rith ab fhearr bradán ar an Ró riamh ar áiritheoir Léim a’ Mhadaidh.

Tuairiscí Gabhálacha Slaite 2007 Bhí céatadán na slatiascairí a chuir ar ais tuairiscí i 2007 thíos ar bhlianta beaga anuas (féach Aguisín 2 – tábla 12). Ábhar áirithe imní é nó is ceanglas rialála é go ndéanfadh an slatiascaire tuairiscí atá tráthúil agus beacht. Is pointe tábhachtach iniúchta iad na gabhálacha, a éascaíonn bainistíocht inbhuanaithe phobail éisc limistéar an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn, agus ghríosóimis, mar sin de, cloí leis an cheanglas reachtach le tuairiscí a dhéanamh. Léirigh gabhálacha bradán a fógraíodh méadú i gcomórtas le blianta beaga anuas ach bhí gabhálacha fógartha breac thíos, treocht is ábhar buartha. Tá sé seo pléite tuilleadh sa chéad mhír eile ar bhric gheala. (Tá tuilleadh eolais ar thuairiscí shlatiascaireachta achoimrithe in Aguisín 2 – táblaí 10, 11 agus 12). D’iarr roinnt clubanna slatiascaireachta ar a gcuid ball tuairiscí a dhéanamh lena n-eagras. I 2007 léirigh tuairiscí ceadúnais chlub Shlatiascairí Abhainn an Fheabhail Teo gur mharaigh a gcuid ball 2369 bradán fásta Atlantaigh in abhantrach an Fheabhail. Má chuirtear seo i gcomórtas leis na tuairiscí ceadúnais a rinneadh le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna áit ar taifeadadh gabháil 1132 bradán fásta Atlantaigh, is léir go dteipeann ar a lán slatiascairí tuairiscí iomlána a dhéanamh le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Ní cuidíonn sé seo le hullmhú phictiúir lán de stádas na stoc seo.

Áirimh Láithreacha Sceathraí Is i láithreacha sceathraí a leagann bradáin fhásta a gcuid uibheacha i ngairbhéal agus thig iad a aithint ar logán sainiúil i mullóg srutha a cruthaíodh nuair a thochail na héisc fhásta sceithe an logán nó an nead. Bhí cruinneas áireamh láithreacha sceathraí riamh faoi réir dhála na haimsire, mar shampla, le linn tuilte coisceann an méadú i solaid ar fuaidreamh infheictheacht agus cruthaítear tuilleadh deacrachtaí nuair a leacann sileadh ard an uisce na mollóga gairbhéil a tochlaíodh, agus nuair a éiríonn an t-uisce níos soiléire ní bhíonn rian na láithreacha le feiceáil. I 2007, meascadh dála áireamh na láithreacha leis na torthaí a tugadh in Aguisín 2 – tábla 3.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Leictriascaireacht I 2007 rinneadh leictriascaireacht go leathchainníochtúil ar 573 láthair san iomlán i limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Bhí 487 de na láithreacha a ndearnadh suirbhé orthu i gcóras an Fheabhail agus 86 i gcóras Chairlinn. Ba é 19 meánlíon na ngilidíní bradáin agus 4 meánlíon na ngilidíní bric ag gach láthair i gcóras an Fheabhail i 2007. Cé gur cosúil líon na mbreac a bheith ina ábhar díomá bíonn roghnú na láithreacha claonta i dtreo ghnáthóga bradán.

Innéacs Gilidíní Abhainn na Ró Salmon 0+

Mean Number of 0+ (Fry)/5min

Trout 0+

50 40 30 20 10

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002 Year

2003

2004

2005

Innéacs ghilidíní abhantrach Abhainn na Ró (limistéar an Fheabhail) 1998-2007. Féach cé gur athraigh líon na láithreacha a ndearnadh suirbhé orthu gach bliain ó 27 i 1998 go 75 i 2007, shocair líon na láithreacha suirbhé ó 2002. Salmon 0+

Average Fry/5 Minute

Salmon & Trout 0+

10 8 6 4 2

Trout 0+

2000

2001

2002

2003 Year

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

2004

2005

2006

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Innéacs Ghilidíní na hAbhann Báine Ba é 2 meánlíon na ngilidíní bradáin agus 2 meánlíon na ngilidíní bric ag gach láthair i gcóras Chairlinn i 2007. Innéacs ghilidíní abhantrach na hAbhann Báine (limistéar Chairlinn) 2000-2007. Féach cé gur athraigh líon na láithreacha a ndearnadh suirbhé orthu gach bliain ó 5 i 2000 go 20 i 2007, shocair líon na láithreacha suirbhé ó 2002. Is cóir a thabhairt faoi deara go gcuireann na cairteanna thuas in iúl treochtaí ginearálta sna habhantracha roghnaithe agus iad bunaithe ar líon athraitheach láithreacha a ndéantar suirbhé bliantúil orthu. Tá roinnt cúiseanna is bun leis an athrú seo, ó ghalar crúibe is béil, mar shampla, i 2001 a choisc rochtain i limistéir áirithe, go láithreacha a d’éirigh foircthe le fásra agus nár oir do shuirbhé. Tá rún ag Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna suirbhé a shocrú do lion seasmhach láithreacha i ngach abhantrach ar bhonn bliantúil. Chomh maith leis na suirbhéanna leathchainníochtúil leictriascaireachta rinneadh suirbhé cainníochtúil ar roinnt láithreacha in abhantrach an Fheabhail. Ceapadh an faireachán leanúnach cainníochtúil seo le héifeachtacht oibreacha feabhsaithe gnáthóg insrutha a rinneadh i 2007 a measúnú. Leanfar den fhaireachán ar feadh na 4-5 bliana romhainn agus déanfar tuairisc air i dtuairisc stádáis abhantrach Abhainn an Fheabhail. Clibeáil Chódaithe Sreinge (CCS) Leanadh den chlár Clibeáil Chódaithe Sreinge i 2007 ar Abhainn na Fochaine. Ní dhearnadh aon chlibeáil ar Abhainn na Finne. Táthar ag suil le clibeáil a dhéanamh ar 2 abhainn i 2008 chun tacú leis an chlár idirnáisiúnta Cumaisc SALSEA, ar fhiosrú bradán san fharraige. Déantar CCS ar roinnt cúiseanna ina measc aibhsiú na limistéar ina saothraítear bradáin fhásta inimirce. Úsáideann Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna Scriúghaiste Rothlach (SGR) leis na gealóga a cheapadh i gcomhair chlibeála. Éascaíonn sé seo cnuasach sonraí luachmhara bitheolaíochta agus eolas eile ar fhlúirse agus chomhuainiú reatha salmainide agus phobal eile éisc ag dul síos an abhainn an t-am seo de bliain. Cuirfear eolas ar ghealóga a clibeáladh i 2006 agus a ceapadh ina n-aosaigh inimirce i séasúr 2007 i láthair i dtuarascáil bhliantúil 2008 agus sna tuarascálacha stádáis abhantracha na n-aibhneacha nuair a bheas siad ar fáil. Foras na Mara a chomhordaíonn na sonraí athcheaptha ón chlár clibeála. I gcás iasc a clibeáladh in aon bhliain bíonn moill 2 bhliain ann sula mbíonn na sonraí athcheaptha ar fáil. Ó 2005 d’úsáid Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna trealamh Chlibeáil Chódaithe Sreinge a ceannaíodh le hairgead a fuarthas ó Chiste Forbartha Réigiúnaí na hEorpa trí Chlár INTERREG IIIA, á riar ag an tSeirbhís Chomhshaoil agus Oidhreachta, thar ceann an Roinn Comhshaoil. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Bíonn an eite saille (an eite bheag idir an eite droma agus an ruball) bainte de na héisc mhicreachlibeáilte uilig; má mharaíonn iascaire bradán nó bláthán atá gan an eite seo íocfar luaíocht leo ach ceann an éisc a thabhairt go dtí Ceanncheathrú Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna i bPréachán. Tá sonraí ionaid, ceaptha agus dáta ar maraíodh an t-iasc, fad, meáchan agus sampla gainne fíorluachmhar i gcomhair úsáid an eolais seo.

Líon na nGealóg Bradáin Dáta Comhuainiú reatha agus flúirse ghealóg bradáin ó fhoshampla scriúghaiste rothlach Abhainn na Fochaine 2004-2007. Druidim an ghaiste mar gheall ar dhála arduisce is cúis le bearnaí sna sonraí Bliain

Líon na nGealóg a Clibeáladh

Meánaois

Meánfhad (cm)

Meánmheáchan (g)

2002

690

12.5

19.8

2003

2252

12.7

20.2

2004

773

12.2

18.0

2005

390

12.9

20.5

2006

779

12.0

19.3

Líon na ngealóg bradáin a clibeáladh ar Abhainn na Finne 2002-2006 (féach nach ndearnadh aon chlibeáil ar Abhainn na Finne i 2007)

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Bliain a Clibeáladh

Bliain Athcheaptha

Líon Athcheaptha

Ionad Athcheaptha

2002

2003 2004

10 1

Dún na nGall, Limistéar an Fheabhail, Cósta Thuaidh, Maigh Eo, Gaillimh, Abhainn na Finne

2003

2004

Dún na nGall, Limistéar an Fheabhail, Maigh Eo, Ciarraí, Abhainn na Finne

2004

2005

An Caisleán Nua

2005

2006

Tor

Sonraí athcheaptha ó chlár CCS Abhainn na Finne. Féach gurb é is cúis leis an mhoill sna sonraí fad an ama a caitheadh ar muir agus fad an ama a theastaigh le sonraí a chomhordú. Bliain

Líon na nGealóg a Clibeáladh

Meánaois

Meánfhad (cm)

Meánmheáchan (g)

2003

1582

14.9

33.5

2004

1875

13.4

24.6

2005

1658

13.3

23.6

2006

769

13.3

25.4

2007

1547

13.5

27.1

Líon na ngealóg a clibeáladh ar Abhainn na Fochaine 2003-2007 Bliain a Clibeáladh

Bliain Athcheaptha

Líon Athcheaptha

Ionad Athcheaptha

2003

2004

An Caisleán Nua, Ailt a’ Chorráin, Cionn Mhálanna, Béal a’ Muirthéad is Cionn a’ Toir

2004

2005

An Caisleán Nua, Cionn Mhálanna, Dún na n Gall is Cuan na Gaillimhe

2005

2006

An Caisleán Nua

Sonraí athcheaptha ó chlár CCS Abhainn na Fochaine. Féach gurb é is cúis leis an mhoill sna sonraí fad an ama a caitheadh ar muir agus fad an ama a theastaigh le sonraí a chomhordú. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Oibreacha insrutha Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna a chistigh na hoibreacha insrutha i 2007 ar na haibhneacha a leanas: Ainm na habhann

Cineál oibreacha

Tuairimí

Abhainn Fionntamhnaí

Feabhsú gnáthóg bruach agus gairbhéal insrutha

Láithreacha sceathraí bradán a breathnaíodh ar ghairbhéal úr i mí na Nollag 2007

Abhainn tSeiscne

Feabhsú gnáthóg bruach agus gairbhéal insrutha

Láithreacha sceathraí bradán a breathnaíodh ar ghairbhéal úr i mí na Nollag 2007

Abhainn na Deirge Uachtair

Aistriú siolta dhlúite agus a athsoláthar le gairbhéal sceathraí

Láithreacha sceathraí bradán a breathnaíodh ar ghairbhéal úr i mí na Nollag 2007

An Daoil

Aistriú i dtollánú

Feabhsú ionchais i líon na n-iasc óg le breathnú i 2008

Abhainn Bhaile Uí Cheallaigh

Aistriú siolta dhlúite agus a athsoláthar le gairbhéal sceathraí

Láithreacha sceathraí breac a breathnaíodh ar ghairbhéal úr i mí na Nollag 2007

Abhainn Ghleann Bond

Feabhsú gnáthóg bruach agus gairbhéal insrutha

Láithreacha sceathraí bradán a breathnaíodh ar ghairbhéal úr i mí na Nollag 2007

Abhainn Fhothairghleanna

Feabhsú gnáthóg bruach agus gairbhéal insrutha

Láithreacha sceathraí bradán a breathnaíodh ar ghairbhéal úr i mí na Nollag 2007

Rinneadh na hoibreacha ar Abhainn Bhaile Uí Cheallaigh i gcomhar le Gníomhaireacht na nAibhneacha. Rinneadh na hoibreacha ar aibhneacha Fhothairghleanna agus Ghleann Bond i gcomhar le Cumann Slatiascairí Abhainn an Fheabhail agus RAPID. Bric Gheala Is é an Breac Geal cineál anadromach an bhric dhoinn Salmo trutta L. Tá tuairiscí an bhric ghil achoimrithe níos faide anonn sa tuarascáil seo ach léirigh na treorachtaí le blianta beaga anuas titim sa ghabháil a fógraíodh, i limistéar an Fheabhail go háirithe. Baineann bric gheala i limistéar Chairlinn meánmhéid is mó amach ná iad siúd i limistéar an Fheabhail, agus is suntasach tuairiscí bliantúla na mbreac mór farraige seo san Abhainn Bhán.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Is féidir gur dála éagsúla ba chúis leis an titim i stoic na mbreac geal, gnáthdhála ina measc mar inmhíolú an-ard míolta farraige, nó b’fhéidir athrú san éiceachóras a d’oibreodh ar speiceas creiche, truailliú uisce chósta agus ró-iascaireacht. Is féidir fosta go bhfuil níos lú gealóg bric ag imirceadh chun farraige ach ag fanacht ina mbric rua san haibhneacha. Is iomaí ceist fós gan freagairt faoi Salmo trutta L. Tacaíonn Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna le tuilleadh taighde ar phobail bhreac agus nuair is féidir cuideoimid le staidéir ábhartha agus le cnuasach eolas tábhachtach bitheolaíochta. Ceaptar gealóga breac geal chomh maith le gealóga bradán i scriúghgaistí rothlacha Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Tá cuid de na sonraí a cruinníodh sular cuireadh gealóga na mbreac geal ar ais go dtí an abhainn ar taispeáint thíos. Cuirfidh cruinniú na sonraí seo le faireachán fadtréimhse threorachtaí comhuainiú reatha agus flúirse breac geal in eochairabhantracha.

Comhuainiú reatha gealóga agus flúirse Breac Geal ó scriúghaistí rothlacha, foshampla, Abhainn na Fochaine 2006 & 2007. Druidim an ghaiste le linn dhála arduisce is cúis le bearnaí sna sonraí Bliain

Líon Ghealóga na mBreac Geal

Meánfhad (cm)

Meánmheáchan (g)

2006

248

17.8

64.14

2007

279

19.1

74.73

Tá Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna i bhfabhar ceapadh agus saoradh mar uirlis thábhachtach chaomhnaithe breac geal i limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Bainistíocht agus Forbairt Iascaigh Gharbhiascaireachta Tá tábhacht go fóill le garbhiascaireacht i gCairlinn agus san Fheabhal. Lean an Ghníomhaireacht ag obair le páirtithe áitiúla leasmhara, le roinnt uiscí a chur chun cinn. Tá an Ghníomhaireacht faoi láthair ag obair ar reachtaíocht nua le garbhéisc a chosaint sa dá abhantrach le bithshlándáil a chinnteoidh go ndéanfar freastal le fada amach anseo ar an éileamh leanúnach ar gharbhiascaireacht. Thug an Ghníomhaireacht i Meán Fómhair 2007 faoi mheasúnú stoc iasc i gCanáil Iúr Cinn Trá idir Loc Victeoiria agus Báisín Ailbhe i gcomhar leis an Fhoras Uiscebhia agus Eolaíochtaí Bitheacha (FUEB) agus an Phríomh-Bhord Iascaigh (PBI). Leasaigh an suirbhé seo chun dáta tuarascálacha ó 2001 agus 2002. Ba ghné úr de shuirbhé 2007 úsáid theicneolaíochta nua hiodrafhuaime a cheadaigh measúnú líon na n-iasc sa chanáil. Baineadh fíricí ón talamh ag úsáid ghnáth-theicnící líontóireachta a lean Caighdeáin na hEorpa do shuirbhéanna den chineál seo. Cé gur doiligh comparáid a dhéanamh le suirbhéanna roimhe seo, mar gheall ar athruithe sa teicneolaíocht a fheidhmítear, ba chosúil gur tháinig titim ar stoic speiceas áirithe, mar shampla, ní bhfuarthas ach aon bhran óg amháin i 2007 ach líon maith iasc fásta i 2002. Bhí líon réasúnta bran róiste X ann i 2007 in uimhreacha inchomparáide le córais chosúla eile. Aithníodh roinnt fadhbanna féideartha ar chóir aghaidh a thabhairt orthu: • • •

droch-chaighdeán uisce, i mBáisín Ailbhe go háirithe; ísliú agus ardú leibhéil an uisce sa chanáil le linn tréimhsí cinniúnacha sceathraí; róshaothrú féideartha stoc.

Achoimre ghabhálacha iasc a ceapadh i ndronga traidisiúnta eangaí geolbhaí le linn suirbhéanna stoc iasc a rinneadh i gCanáil Iúr Cinn Trá i 2001 agus 2007.

60 2001

CPUE (Fish/net)

2007 40 30 20 10 0 Roach

Bream

BoxBr

Tench Species

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Pike

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Reachtaíocht Leasuithe ar na Rialacháin Mar a léiríodh ní ba luaithe sa tuarascáil seo, tá an Ghníomhaireacht tiomanta ar an eolas a chruinníonn sí a úsáid le haimsiú stoc inbhuanaithe salmainidí a chosaint, a chothabháil agus a sholáthar i limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Cé go bhfuil fáil againn ar bhearta ó chéim fionnuisce shaolré na n-iasc seo agus atá á ndéanamh ar bhonn leanúnach mar a tuairiscíodh, táthar ag mothú thionchar laghduithe suntasacha i marthanas farraige na mbradán. Tá comhoibríochtaí idirnáisiúnta á dtionscnamh le ceisteanna faoi na laghduithe seo a scrúdú agus tuairisceofar iad thar na 3 go 5 bliana romhainn. Ach mar a tuairiscíodh roimhe seo, tá bearta déanta ag an Ghníomhaireacht le róshaothrú bradán inimirce a rialú tuilleadh lena chinntiú go mbainfear amach leibhéal na stoc sceathraí a theastaíonn ón chóras. Dá bharr seo, rinneadh ba leasuithe a leanas ar na rialacháin atá liostaithe thíos. Is cóir a thabhairt faoi deara go mbíonn athbhreithniú leanúnach á dhéanamh ar thionchar agus éifeachtacht phobail an chórais mar aon le heolas orthu agus má theastaíonn tuilleadh leasuithe ar na rialacháin atá ann nó má theastaíonn cinn úra, tabharfar iad sin chun tosaigh i gcomhairle lenár bpáirtithe leasmhara ar dhóigh a bheas tráthúil ach tomhaiste. Seo iad na leasuithe a rinneadh le linn 2007: 1. Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Limistéar Chairlinn (Ceadúnú Inneall Iascaireachta) (Leasú Uimh 2) Rialacháin 2007 – Leasú Rialachán 2001 Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Limistéar Chairlinn (Ceadúnú Inneall Iascaireachta) (a) (b)

Moill ar chur isteach foirmeacha iarratais ó 15ú Eanáir go dtí 30ú Aibreán. Leathnú ar chritéir an fhoirm iarratais leo seo a chuimsiú: - (i) Fianaise nach ndearnadh iascaireacht ach i Loch Feabhail agus (ii) Fianaise gur baineadh slí bheatha as a n-oibríochtaí iascaireachta i Loch Feabhail agus sa limistéar ar thaobh na farraige de Loch Feabhail.

2. Limistéar an Fheabhail (Rialú Iascaireacht Sruthlín agus Lín Tarraingthe) (Leasú) Rialacháin 2007 – Leasú Limistéar an Fheabhail (Rialú Iascaireacht Sruthlín agus Lín Tarraingthe) Rialacháin 2001 (a) (b)

Bain amach Limistéar Thaobh na Farraige de Loch Feabhail. Cuir srian ar líon na gceadúnas atá ar fáil i ngach catagóir go 30 Sruthlíon agus 50 Líon Tarraingthe nó an mheánuimhir a glacadh amach sna trí bliana sonra, cibé acu is ísle. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

3. Limistéar an Fheabhail (Rialú Líontóireachta) (Leasú) Rialacháin 2007 – Leasú Limistéar an Fheabhail (Rialú Líontóireachta) Rialacháin 1981 Leasú le fad an lín a thig a úsáid a laghdú go 500m. 4. Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Limistéar Chairlinn (Clibeáil agus Logleabhar) (Leasú) Rialacháin 2007 – Leasú Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Limistéar Chairlinn (Clibeáil agus Logleabhar) Rialacháin 2001 (a)

(b) (c)

Srian a chur ar líon na gclibeálacha atá ar fáil le bronnadh ar shlatiascairí a fhad le 5 Gorm le linn thréimhse 1ú Márta go 31ú Bealtaine. Cion a dhéanamh d’úsáid chlibeálacha Gorma taobh amuigh den tréimhse seo. Srian a chur ar líon na gclibeálacha atá ar fáil ag slatiascairí go 20 Dubh le linn thréimhse 1ú Meitheamh go 31ú Deireadh Fómhair.

5. Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Limistéar Chairlinn (Slatiascaireacht) (Leasú) Rialacháin 2007 – Leasú Limistéar an Fheabhail agus Limistéar Chairlinn (Slatiascaireacht) Rialacháin 2001 (a) (b)

(e)

An teorainn mhála laethúil a athrú go haon Bhradán nó aon Bhreac Geal os cionn 40cm, don tréimhse 1ú Márta go 31ú Bealtaine. An teorainn mhála laethúil a athrú go dhá Bhradán nó dhá Bhreac Geala os cionn 40 cm nó ceann amháin den dá chuid don treimhse 1ú Meitheamh go 31ú Deireadh Fómhair. Teorainn mhála laethúil 4 Bhreac Rua a thabhairt isteach. Rialachán a thabhairt isteach ag éileamh ar shlatiascairí stad d’iascaireacht an bhradáin i ndiaidh iad a dteorainn laethúil a mharú agus a choiscfeadh úsáid gléis agus modhanna a mheallfadh bradán, ach a cheadódh úsáid gléis agus modhanna a mheallfadh bric rua ach lena linn sin a d’éascódh gabháil rathúil agus a shaorfadh aon bhradán nó aon bhreac geal a cheapfaí de thaisme. Choiscfeadh bearta den chineál sin úsáid baoite agus ní cheadódh ach úsáid duáin gan fhriofac le bearna ba lú ná 7mm. Slatiascaireacht bradán a chosc in aibhneacha nach sásódh teorainnea cha caomnaithe, nó limistéir abhann a dhruidim ina bhfuil róshaothrú slatiascaireachta ag déanamh dochair do shroicheadh teorainneacha caomhnaithe, agus slatiascaireacht in aibhneacha den chineál sin a theorannú ag na modhanna atá sonraithe in (d).

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Caomhnú Agus Cosaint Iascach Glaonna ar líne freagartha 24 uair iar-ama Ó 5in go 9rn ghlac an líne freagartha iar-ama 766 glao, mar atá sonraithe sa ghraf thíos: Ba í an líne freagartha iar-ama ábhar fheachtas chur chun cinn de chuid na Gníomhaireachta i bhFeabhra/Márta 2007, agus b’fhoinse shuntasach eolais í ar cheisteanna faoi iascaireacht mhídhleathach agus thruailliú uisce.

Calls to 24 hours

120

100 71

84 75

60 40

20 10

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr May Jun Species

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Is ceann de chroífheidhmeanna Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna é feidhmiú reachtaíocht chaomhnaithe agus chosanta a éiríonn as na hAchtanna agus Rialacháin Iascach. Díríodh go suntasach ar ghníomhartha rialála feidhmithe i 2007. Dá bharr sin a tharla na hurghabhálacha atá liostaithe thíos; ar na líonta a gabhadh bhí 8 líon ar fhad 1000m. Mar gheall ar na gníomhartha seo tarchuireadh cáipéisí chuig ár ndlíodóirí i gcomhair chúiseamh 56 duine as coireanna cosanta iascach.

Achoimriú ghníomhartha feidhmithe a tarchuireadh chuig dlíodóirí na Gníomhaireachta 2005

2006

2007

123

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Achoimriú urghabhálacha a rinne foireann na Gníomhaireachta 2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Slata

Báid & feithiclí

Líonta

217

181

118

101

Bradáin & Bric

160

137

126

Ba mhaith le Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna buíochas a ghabháil as an chuidiú tábhachtach a thug an Roinn Talmhaíochta agus Forbartha Tuaithe, an Garda Síochána agus Seirbhís Póilíneachta Thuaisceart na hÉireann, i bhforfheidhmiú Acht na nIascach i limistéar Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Mar gheall ar ardlíon na gcoireanna slatiascaireachta, ba dhrochbhliain í 2007 ag foireann na Gníomhaireachta lena ndualgais fhorfheidhmithe a dhéanamh. Ach, mar gheall ar a ndíograis leanadh le patróil i ngach réigiún de limistéar freagrachta Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Thug Faireoirí Príobháideacha Abhann fosta cuidiú luachmhar ag cur bhreis chosanta ar fáil ar a gcuid iascach. Thug an Ghníomhaireacht faoi shealbhóirí barántais a oiliúint i ndlí agus i ngnás fianaiseach Iascaigh, rinneadh freastal maith ar na seimineáir agus chuir siad ar fáil aiseolas suntasach dearfach. Is mór ag Bord Choimisiún an Fheabhail, Chairlinn agus Shoilse na hÉireann agus Gníomhaireacht na Lochanna díograis fhoireann Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna agus an cuidiú uilig a tugadh don fhorfheidhmiú. Caighdeán an Fhionnuisce Bíonn an Ghníomhaireacht go buan ina comhairlí reachtúil i dtaca le forbairtí a dtiocfadh leo tionchar a oibriú ar an chomshaol abhann ó chaighdeán uisce insrutha nó ó chomhshaol peirspictíoch bruachánach. Tá san áireamh anseo plé leis an tSeirbhís Foraoise agus le comhlachtaí éagsúla foraoise faoin tionchar féideartha ar scéimeanna pleanála molta, leis an tSeirbhís Bóithre faoi thrasnuithe abhann nua agus scéimeanna bóthair, leis an tSeirbhís Uisce faoi scéimeanna astarraingthe camrais agus uisce, leis an tSeirbhís Pleanála faoi fhorbairtí nua, leis an tSeirbhís Comhsaoil agus Oidhreachta faoi cheadanna doirte, a gcáilíocht agus a dtionchar féideartha, agus le Gníomhaireacht na nAibhneacha faoi cheisteanna bhainistíocht draenála agus sruthchúrsa, agus san áireamh oibreacha cúiteacha athchóirú gnáthóg. Creideann an Ghníomhaireacht go bhfuil a straitéis leanúnach le díriú ar abhantracha atá is cosuíl faoi bhrú dá Clár Réamhghníomhach um Chosc ar Thruailliú slán agus tairbheach fosta do na habhantracha seo, tagann an buneolas don straitéis seo go príomha ó na suirbhéanna cáilíochtúla leictriascaireachta a dhéantar gach bliain

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

agus ar bhonn is lú ón chlár uasdátú gnáthóg agus na suirbéanna áireamh láithreacha sceathraí. Ag úsáid i gcomhar le chéile na sonraí leictriascaireachta, áireamh láithreacha sceathraí, cháilíocht uisce agus mhaicrinveirteabrach a cruinníodh i 2007, d’éirigh leis an Ghníomhaireacht na hachair sin is mó ar oibríodh tionchar orthu a mheasúnú agus díriú ar na fo-abhantracha seo i gcomhair scrúdú forghníomhach. As cuid de na scrúdúcháin seo tháinig atreorú chun comhairle ar chleachtas feirmeoireachta, as cuid eile lean cúiseamh as doirteadh mídhleathach. Níor tharla aon athrú suntasach marú éisc i limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Tharla roinnt mioneachtraí bhásmhaireacht éisc níos moille sa séasúr i limistéar an Fheabhail, ach is cosúil gur galar fungais ar líon beag iasc ba chúis leo.

Caighdeán an Uisce Mhuirí Rinne an Ghníomhaireacht lena páirtithe faireachán lae agus oíche ar na Murlaigh le sonraí ó bhaoithe teiliméadrachta. Tá cuid de na sonraí ar taispeáint thíos:

Léiríonn teochtaí uisce i 2006-2007 sainphatrún mearthéimh san earrach agus i dtús an tsamhraidh go huasmhéid tuairim is ar 22°C. Tuairim is ar 4°C a bhí an teocht ab ísle a taifeadadh sa gheimhreadh. Is mórchúis í teocht an uisce i ndearbhú amú sceathraí sliogéisc.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Tá leibhéil salandachta an-athraitheach in Inbhear an Fheabhail, agus iad go mór faoi thionchar ag gluaiseachtaí na taoide chom maith leis an rith fionnuisce ó na hAibhneacha Feabhail, Ró agus Fochaine. Féadann an tsalandacht ag an stáisiún samplála athrú ó bheith faoi 10ppt go 34ppt. Luach salandachta 34ppt a léiríonn fíorsháile agus tá luach salandachta fionnuisce gar do 0.

Féadann Ocsaigin Thuaslagtha dul i bhfeidhm go mór ar chineál na speiceas i ndobharlach. Thig le hocsaigin thuaslagtha íseal teacht as droch-cháilíocht uisce agus saibhriú cothaitheach fosfáite. I Loch Feabhail bíonn an OT measartha ard de ghnáth, cé go dtarlaíonn tréimhsí ísle OT ó am go ham. Tá sé thar a bheith deacair OT a thaifeadadh le logálán uathoibríoch alamaigh mar na cinn a úsáidtear agus is minic a tharlaíonn neamhréireachtaí sna sonraí.

Taispeánann na leibhéil chlóraifille-a sa ghraf blás dheireadh an earraigh/thús an tsamhraidh. Tá clóraifill-a athraitheach ó nádúr agus féadann sí athrú de réir na huaire le linn shéasúr an earraigh agus an tsamhraidh nuair is ard í infhaighteacht chothaithigh agus is láidir déine an tsolais. Tá faireachán leanúnach paraiméadair den chineál seo éigeantach le hathruithe sa stoc seasta clóraifille san inbhear a aithint go beacht in imeacht ama. Thig na taifid seo a úsáid le treorachtaí fáis sliogéisc san éiceachóras

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

a mheasúnú agus le hiontógáil chlóraifille-a sna pobail shliogéisc a dhearbhú. Tá an príomh-mheasúnú táirgeachta seo tairbheach i meastachán acmhainn iompair éiceachórais agus ceadaíonn sé fosta tuarthaí fáis shliogéisc a dhéanamh d’fheirmeoirí sliogéisc a bheadh ag iarraidh an táirgeacht óna n-oibríochtaí a bharrfheabhsú. Thar am d’fhéadfadh athruithe i mbithmhais chlóraifille bheith ina dtáscaire ar infhaighteacht laghdaithe chothaithigh nó theorannú cothaithigh in inbhir. Léiríodh go raibh fosfáit theoranta i Loch Feabhail agus is féidir go bhfuil sé sin ag dul i bhfeidhm ar réimse agus ar fhad spásúil blás planctóin san earrach agus sa samhradh.

12. Dobharshaothrú agus iascaigh shliogéisc I 2007 a achtaíodh Acht/Ordú Iascaigh an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Chuir sé ar chumas na Gníomhaireachta tosú ar fhorbairt Rialachán do chaomhnú, bhainistíocht agus d’fhorbairt iascach fia-shliogéisc agus dhobharshaothrú i limistéir Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna. Tosóidh lánrolladh amach an chóras ceadúnú dobharshaothrú i 2009. Le hullmhú do rialú dobharshaothrú agus iascach sliogéisc i Loch Feabhail thug an tIonad Comhshaoil, Iascach & Eolaíocht Dobharshaothrú (ICSED) faoi shuirbhé neamhspleách bonnlíne an Locha. I mí Bealtaine 2007 foilsíodh plean feidhmithe do chaomhnú, chosaint agus bhainistíocht an iascach fia-oisrí i Loch Feabhail i gcomhair chomhairliúcháin. Tá beartaithe go mbeidh Rialacháin in áit d’iascach oisrí 2008 le bainistíocht agus forbairt inbhuanaithe an iascaigh seo a chinntiú amach anseo. Bunaíodh Coiste Stiúrtha ar a raibh páirtithe leasmhara, ranna rialtais agus lucht leasa comhshaoil le téarmaí tagartha a fhorbairt le Measúnú Straitéiseach Comhshaoil a chur ar fáil. Tabharfaidh comhairligh agus foireann na Gníomhaireachta faoin obair seo go luath i 2008. Tá comhchainteanna ar siúl le Coimisiún Eastát na Corónach agus leis an Roinn Talmhaíochta, Iascaigh agus Bia le comhaontú bainistíochta a fhorbairt d’fhorbairt dobharshaothrú sna Lochanna. Tá an Coimisiún, CEC agus an RCMAN tiomanta ar sholáthar an chomhaontú seo sula dtiocfaidh an córas ceadúnaithe i gceann oibre. D’aimsigh an Ghníomhaireacht cistiú d’árthach faireacháin do na Lochanna i 2007. Iarradh tairiscintí ag teacht le treoirlínte soláthair an AE agus táthar ag súil go mbeidh árthach a chuideoidh le forbairt agus bainistíocht acmhainní sliogéisc sa dá Loch in áit faoi dheireadh 2008.

13. Turasóireacht mhara Ar na príomhchuspóirí a baineadh amach i 2007 bhí faomhadh bheartas chúnamh airgeadais na Gníomhaireachta do dheontais bheaga ag an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas i mí na Samhna. Lig sé seo don Ghníomhaireacht tosú a chomhlíonadh a oibleagáide faoi Ordú 1999 Thuaidh/Theas (Comhlachtaí Feidhmithe) (Tuaisceart na Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

hÉireann) agus Acht Comhaontaithe Briotanach Éireannach 1999, le turasóireacht shlatiascaireachta agus mhara a fhorbairt (trí chúnamh deontais san áireamh). Leathadh an straitéis go mall i 2007 le cruinnithe poiblí, fógraíocht agus cur chun cinn sna meáin ar fud na n-abhantrach; iarradh tograí don tréimhse 2008-2009; cuireann sé seo ar fáil dúinn deis le bheith ag plé tuilleadh le páirtithe leasmhara agus le tograí a chur i bhfeidhm a theastaíonn go géar ag teacht leis an Straitéis Forbartha Turasóireachta Mara agus Slatiascaireachta. Thacaigh an Chomhairle Aireachta Thuaidh/Theas fosta leis an Ghníomhaireacht i bhforbairt Straitéis Forbartha Turasóireachta Mara agus Slatiascaireachta suas go 2013 – feidhmeofar í seo faoi réir fhoinsiú buiséid ó chlár INTERREG IV. I mí an Mhárta 2007 a fógraíodh clár INTERREG IV agus bhí rath ar iarratas na Gníomhaireachta ar chistiú le 2 thairiscint ‘phíblíne’ a fhorbairt leis an Straitéis Forbartha Turasóireachta Mara agus Slatiascaireachta a bheachtú tuilleadh agus le clár taighde Trasnáisiúnta a fhorbairt lenár gcomhghleacaithe in Ionad Éiceolaíochta agus Comhshaoil Nádúrtha na hAlban in Ollscoil Ghlaschú. I Meán/Deireadh Fómhair 2007 a cuireadh isteach na tairiscintí agus táimid ag fanacht leis an toradh a bhfuil súil leis i dtús/lár 2008. Baineadh amach próifíl fheabhsaithe abhantrach Chairlinn trí pháirtíochtaí le Turasóireacht Chairlinn/Chuaille, Cumann Luamhaireachta Chairlinn agus Comhlachas Tráchtála Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua. D’eagraigh na heagrais seo trí eochairimeacht: Féile na nOisrí Péarla, Craobh Rásaíochta Luamh J24 agus cuairt na long ard go Cuan Rinn Mhic Giolla Rua. D’éirigh leis na himeachtaí breis chuairteoirí a mhealladh go dúiche Chairlinn agus táthar ag dúil gur imeachtaí rialta féilire a bheas iontu seo feasta.

14. Cur chun cinn na slatiascaireachta Tharla réimse leathan chur chun cinn slatiascaireachta le linn 2007, agus de thoradh freastal a rinneadh ar eochairthaispeántais a dhíríonn ar na croímhargaí cuairteora agus baile, tháinig díolacháin mhéadaithe ceadúnas (féach Aguisín 2 Tábla 18). Ag tús an tséasúir, d’óstáil an Ghníomhaireacht Aonach Slatiascaireachta le breis agus 4000 cuairteoir in iarracht leis an abhantrach a shárthaispeáint agus feasacht ról na Gníomhaireachta a fhorbairt – ba bhuaicphointe an imeachta í Craobh Chaitheamh Fada Dorú inar baineadh amach curiarracht úr dhomhanda. Is é aidhm an Aonach Slatiascaireachta cleachtóirí uile na slatiascaireachta a chuimsiú agus le linn na seachtaine náisiúnta slatiascaireachta i mí Lúnasa, cuireadh ceardlanna saor in aisce ar fáil do pháistí agus do dhaoine óga lena scileanna agus a bhfeasacht iascaireachta a fhorbairt agus tábhacht an chomhshaoil i gcosaint na hacmhainne sárluachmhaire seo.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Taispeántais ar freastalaíodh orthu: • Taispeántas Slatiascaireachta Bhéal Feirste • Taispeántas Slatiascaireachta Bhaile Átha Cliath • Taispeántas Tweed • Aonach Éadan Dúcharraige • Aonach agus Seó Cluichí Chaisleán Bhiorra • An tAonach Cuileog Shasanach Tá ardphróifíl ag an Ghníomhaireacht i bhfoilseacháin nideoige. In iarracht leis an dúiche a chur chun cinn foilsítear fógraí faisnéise ar bhonn míosúil ag aibhsú na hoibre a rinneadh agus sárthaispeáint ag iriseoirí cuairte slatiascaireachta. Mar chuid de na cláir leanúnacha forbartha gairmiúla forbraíodh clár treorach thrí leibhéal i gcomhar le Forbairt Tuaithe an Cabháin/Mhuineacháin mar ar bhain 20 slatiascaire amach cáilíocht suas le leibhéal 3 mar Threoraithe Slatiascaireachta. Ag teacht lenár gcroíluachanna tá ábhair chur chun cinn forbartha ag an Ghníomhaireacht le gabháil agus scaoileadh a spreagadh chun an caomhnú a fheabhsú; leoga is ar an bhonn seo a ritear na féilte/comórtais, rud a fhágas go dtig a rá go bhfuil cur chuige na Gníomhaireachta uathúil aon áit in Éirinn.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

AGUISÍN 1 torthaí in aghaidh targaidí CUSPÓIR 1.

Iascaigh bhradáin agus intíre Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn a chaomhnú, a chosaint agus a fheabhsú.

EOCHAIRGHNÍOMHAÍOCHT

1.1

Eolas Bainistíochta.

1.2

Cosaint & Feabhsú Gnáthóg.

1.3

Feidhmiú.

1.4

Oideachas.

1.5

Rialú.

CUSPÓIR FEIDHMÍOCHTA

NUASHONRÚ

1.1.1

Tuairiscí Stádais Craobh-abhann/ limistéir faoi Mhárta 2007

Tuairiscí líonta agus postáilte ar Shuíomh Gréasáin na Gníomhaireachta.

1.1.2

Aontú gníomhartha le húinéirí Iascaigh faoi Bhealtaine 2007.

Déanta – liosta oibreacha Insrutha aitheanta agus aontaithe.

1.2.1

Déanta – 7 limistéar oibreacha Feidhmiú gníomhartha le hinbhuaine iascach a fheabhsú faoi Insrutha déanta. Shamhain 2007.

1.2.2

Aithint agus cur in ord tosaíochta limistéar i ngach ceann de na cúig chigireacht réigiúin le haird ar bhithéagsúlacht & chosaint ghnáthóg faoi Shamhain 2007.

Déanta – limistéir taobh istigh de Thuairiscí Stádais.

1.3.1

Cur ar fáil 120 lá ar muir ar sheiceáil Loch Feabhail 100% na mbád a chonacthas ag iascach.

Déanta – 120 lá ar muir logáilte agus seiceáil 100% déanta.

1.3.2

Cur ar fáil 40 lá ar muir i Loch Chairlinn.

Déanta – 40 lá ar muir logáilte.

1.3.3

Seiceáil 3,600 ceadúnas slatiascaireachta agus logleabhar i Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn idir 1 Márta 2007 agus 20 Deireadh Fómhair 2007.

Déanta – breis agus 4,000 seiceáil cheadúnais déanta le linn an tSéasúir.

1.3.4

Déanta – logleabhar lín tarraingthe Seiceáil 100% logleabhar fear eangaí oibríochta le linn an tséasúir agus sruthlín seiceáilte. thráchtála.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

1.3.5

Seiceáil 100% ceannaithe ceadúnaithe bradán idir 1 Márta 2007 agus 31 D. Fómhair 2007.

Déanta – gach duine de 20 ceannaí bradáin seiceáilte.

1.4.1

Méadaigh cuairteoirí ar Ionad ‘Riverwatch’ faoi 10% ar chuairteanna i 2006.

80% den sprioc bainte amach – Ionad druidte ar feadh 2 mhí do chothabháil riachtanach.

1.4.2

Gríosú 40 grúpa cliant Riverwatch le bheith páirteach i gcláir fhorrochtana.

Déanta – ghlac 40 grúpa páirt i réimse clár for-rochtana.

1.5.1

Cloí le beartas na Ranna maidir le hiascach ‘idircheaptha’ bradán; tabhairt rialacháin thráthúla chun tosaigh.

Déanta – Pacáiste Cruatain Bradán forbartha. An chéad tráinse íoctha mí na Nollag 2007.

CUSPÓIR 2.

Iascaigh Áineasa Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn a fhorbairt.

EOCHAIRGHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 2.1

Páirteachas grúpa páirtithe leasmhara a mhéadú.

2.2

Margaíocht agus Eolas.

2.3

Táirge, bonneagar agus seirbhísí a fhorbairt.

CUSPÓIR FEIDHMÍOCHTA

NUASHONRÚ

2.1.1

Tionól cruinnithe ráithiúla an Ghrúpa Páirtithe Leasmhara.

Déanta – tionóladh sraith 15 cruinniú den Fhóram Comhairleach agus de na grúpaí Fócais le linn na bliana.

2.2.1

Nuashonrú an tsuímh ghréasáin gach seachtain.

Déanta – nuashonraíodh gach seachtain agus cuireadh mír Túrasóireacht Mhara ann i Meán Fómhair 07.

2.2.2

Feidhmiú na nGníomhartha Straitéise Cumarsáide faoi Mhárta 2007.

Iarchurtha go dtí 2008 – staidéar cuimsitheach bonnlíne le tionscnamh.

2.3.1

Forbairt 3 bhraisle slatiascaigh faoi Iarchurtha go dtí 2008 – le haithint Shamhain 2007. i ndiaidh shuirbhé limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

2.3.2

Déanta – faomhadh Ciste Cur i gcrích phlean straitéiseach Inbhuanaithe Forbartha ag CATT i le forbairt scéim deontais a ionchorprú faoi Dheireadh Fómhair mí na Samhna 2007. 2007. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

2.3.2

Déanta – faomhadh Ciste Cur i gcrích phlean straitéiseach Inbhuanaithe Forbartha ag CATT i le forbairt scéim deontais a ionchorprú faoi Dheireadh Fómhair mí na Samhna 2007. 2007.

CUSPÓIR 3.

Meicníochtaí a chur in áit le tabhairt isteach chóras úr rialú dobharsaothrú a éascú i Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

EOCHAIRGHNÍOMHAÍOCHT

3.1

Rialú agus ceadúnú Dobharshaothrú a thionscnamh.

3.2

Forbairt faisnéise.

3.3

Faisnéis bainistíochta.

CUSPÓIR FEIDHMÍOCHTA

NUASHONRÚ

3.1.1

Tabhairt chun críche Chomhaontú Bainistíochta le RACMAN & Eastáit na Corónach do Loch Feabhail 31 Eanáir 2007.

Leanúnach – comhairliúchán le páirtithe níos deacra agus níos fadaithe ná a ceapadh.

3.1.2

Dréachtú agus tabhairt chun cinn Rialachán a theastaíonn do cheadúnú dobharshaothrú roimh achtú na reachtaíochta.

Iarchurtha – fanacht le hachtú orduithe um thosach feidhme Ordú Iascaigh an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

3.1.3

Foilsiú dhréachthcritéar do mheasúnú iarratas ar cheadúnais dobharshaothrú i Loch Feabhail faoi mhí Feabhra 2007.

Iarchurtha – fanacht le hachtú orduithe um thosach feidhme Ordú Iascaigh an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

3.2.1

Cur i gcrích agus EIA & SEA i Loch Feabhail lena chríochnú faoi Bhealtaine 2007.

Leathdhéanta – Bunaíodh Grúpa Stiúrtha Straitéiseach Comhshaoil. Tionóladh cruinnithe le téarmaí tagartha a aontú agus tá lánphróiseas soláthair le déanamh i 2008.

3.2.2

Bainistiú aimsiú árthaigh oiriúnach le hobair suirbhé a dhéanamh i Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

Leathdhéanta - próiseas soláthair tionscnaithe i Lúnasa 2007. Ag súil le soláthair an árthaigh i 2008.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

3.2.3

Leanúint de bhailiú agus de sholáthar sonraí fáis agus uisce don Fheabhal agus do Chairlinn leis an tsamhail Chumas Iompair a phobalú.

Déanta – bailíodh samplaí uisce agus sliogéisc ar bhonn seachtainiúil le hanailísiú ag ceanncheathrú na Gníomhaireachta.

3.3.1

Athbhreithniú agus nuashonrú “Thuairiscí Stádais” don dá Loch faoi Mhárta 2007.

Iarchurtha – fanacht le hanailís torthaí Shuirbhé CEFAS a foilsíodh mí na Nollag 2007.

3.3.2

Ullmhú phlean gníomhaíochta agus aontú gníomhartha le páirtithe leasmhara ar chláir fhaireacháin agus iniúchta faoi Bhealtaine 2007.

Ní theastaíonn – cuireadh forbairt rialachán agus an phróisis chomhairliúcháin ghaolmhair ina áit seo.

CUSPÓIR 4.

Deiseanna le siamsaíocht mhara a fhorbairt mar bhonn don turasóireacht agus dá tairbhí gaolmhara geilleagracha le haird i gcónaí ar fhreagrachtaí sóisialta agus comhshaoil.

EOCHAIRGHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 4.1

Fáil fhaomhadh Roinne don straitéis tuarasóireachta mara agus don scéim deontais i Limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

4.2

Comhairliú le páirtithe leasmhara agus lucht leasa ar fhorbairt agus sholáthar straitéisí.

4.3

Bunú páirtithe agus leithdháileadh freagrachtaí do sholáthar na straitéise.

CUSPÓIR FEIDHMÍOCHTA

NUASHONRÚ

4.1.1

Críochnú straitéis na turasóireachta Déanta – straitéis forbartha mara faoi Eanáir 2007. agus faofa ag CATT i mí na Samhna 2007, ag aithint eochairghníomhaíochtaí agus spriocanna d’fhorbairt Thurasóireachta Mara.

4.1.2

Forbairt Straitéis Thurasóireachta Mara; fáil comhaontú d’fhonn í a fheidhmiú faoi Bhealtaine 2007.

Déanta – bhí athbhreithniú straitéisí agus pleananna roimhe seo i gceist i dtairiscint INTERREG IV, as ar eascair forbairt phlean chomhaimseartha. Faomhadh seo ag cruinniú CATT na Samhna 2007.

4.1.3

Tabhairt chun tosaigh scéim chúnamh deontais faoi Bhealtaine 2007.

Déanta – d’fhaomh CATT scéim dheontais Chiste Forbartha Inbhuanaithe i Samhain 2007.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

4.2.1

Bunú ghrúpaí comhairliucháin pháirtithe leasmhara faoi Mhárta 2007.

Déanta – bunaíodh grúpaí fócais i limistéir an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn.

4.2.2

Cur soláthar moltaí in ord tosaíochta faoi Bhealtaine 2007.

Leanúnach – fanacht le toradh ghnás iomlán iarratais Chlár úr INTERREG.

CUSPÓIR 5.

Éifeachtacht mhéadaithe agus feabhsú leanúnach a lorg i soláthar seirbhísí dár gcustaiméirí uilig.

EOCHAIRGHNÍOMHAÍOCHT

5.1

Soláthar eolais agus seirbhísí do chustaiméirí, forbartha go hardchaighdeán, agus oiriúnaithe do riachtanais chustaiméirí.

5.2

Daonacmhainní a chothabháil agus a fheabhsú sa Ghníomhaireacht, d’fhonn ardleibhéal seirbhíse custaiméara a chinntiú.

5.3

Spriocdhíriú ar Oibleagáidí Riachtanais Shóisialta agus Chomhionannais (alt 75 Acht TÉ 1998).

5.3

Spriocdhíriú ar Oibleagáidí Riachtanais Shóisialta agus Chomhionannais (alt 75 Acht TÉ 1998).

5.4

Feabhsú sholáthar seirbhíse agus for-rochtana do na páirtithe leasmhara i Limistéar Chairlinn.

CUSPÓIR FEIDHMÍOCHTA

NUASHONRÚ

5.1.1

Freagairt gach comhfhreagras a fuarthas taobh istigh de 15 lá oibre.

Déanta – rinneadh 98% de na freagraí taobh istigh den sprioc.

5.1.2

Cur ar fáil eolais thráthúil agus bheacht do na ranna ábhartha le riar ar spriocanna a sainíodh.

Déanta – cuireadh an cháipéisíocht uile a iarradh ar aghaidh taobh istigh den ambhonn fráma a sainíodh.

5.1.3

Déanta – freagraíodh 3 iarratas, Freagairt iarratas ar eolas ar mar a leagadh amach sa chód mhodh tráthúil mar a leagadh amach i gCód Cleachtais OSF agus cleachtais. Rialacháin Eolais Chomhshaoil.

5.2.1

Feidhmiú Anailís Riachtanas Oiliúna agus socrú oiliúna agus forbartha don fhoireann iomlán.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Déanta – Plean Oiliúna Aonair curtha i gcrích do gach ball foirne agus gníomhaíochtaí oiliúna agus forbartha á sceidealú de réir an Bheartas Oiliúna agus Forbartha.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

5.3.1

Déanamh athbhreithniú Scéim Chomhionannais na Gníomhaireachta agus an phlean nua gníomhaíochta Spriocdhíriú ar Riachtanais Shóisialta (nSRS) faoi Bhealtaine 2007.

Iarchurtha – fanacht le hathbhreithniú Lódáil agus Grádú Foirne, le theacht i 2008.

5.4.1

Tabhairt chun cinn chlár chinntiú sholáthar seirbhíse i Limistéar Chairlinn faoi Nollaig 2007.

Leanúnach – fiosrú deiseanna cistithe.

5.4.2

Bainistiú thogra forbartha oifige Chairlinn le caitheamh éifeachtach agus éifeachtúil acmhainní a chinntiú.

Iarchurtha – fiosruithe ar siúl faoi oiriúnacht suímh i limistéar Chairlinn.

CUSPÓIR 6.

Caitheamh éifeachtach agus éifeachtúil acmhainní atá ar fáil ag an Ghníomhaireacht a chinntiú.

EOCHAIRGHNÍOMHAÍOCHT 6.1

Úsáid bharrmhaith acmhainní na Gníomhaireachta a chinntiú, agus a chinntiú go gcomhlíonann gach caiteachas an treoir ábhartha.

CUSPÓIR FEIDHMÍOCHTA 6.1.1

Cinnntiú go gcloítear le DAO agus treoir infheidhme airgeadais Thuaidh agus Theas.

Déanta – cloíodh le gach treoir agus rinneadh tuairisceáin nuair ba ghá.

6.1.2

Cloí le forálacha Mheabhrán Airgeadais Ghníomhaireacht na Lochanna.

Déanta – cloíodh le treoirlínte sa Mheabhrán Airgeadais againn.

6.1.3

Athbhreithniú, nuashonrú agus tuairisciú Straitéis Bainistíochta Riosca na Gníomhaireachta ar bhonn ráithiúil.

Déanta – athbhreithníodh an Straitéis Bainistíochta Riosca. Tionóladh dhá cheardlann i 2007.

6.1.4

Cinntiú go ndéantar breithmheasanna geilleagracha de réir an Mheabhrán Airgeadais.

Déanta – rinneadh 2 Bhreithmheas Gheilleagracha Leabhair Ghlais don Fheithicil Fhaireacháin agus don Phacáiste Cruatain.

6.1.5

Cur eolas ráithiúil faireacháin ar fheidhmíocht ar fáil do na Ranna.

Déanta – nuashonraíodh torthaí in aghaidh spriocanna agus cuireadh isteach iad sna hamscálaí a aontaíodh.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

An Mhorn

Abhainn Choilleadh

366

244

Córas na Muirne

1118

793

1367

2272

241

337

552

153

516

278

560

998

1969

169

203

357

117

553

209

204

231

640

136

117

119

404

1068

2134

383

245

138

159

147

541

214

291

860

1667

186

154

112

137

233

150

467

131

611

2153

4238

630

377

234

673

545

849

660

451

1431

3163

672

350

101

441

321

536

571

559

1298

2412

410

149

501

473

767

684

2802

5354

844

341

389

312

343

766

519

498

174

1072

# Baineann na Figiúirí le “hEilimh Mheasta Sceathraí” Dr. Elson (Iascaigh an Fheabhail: Bonn Úr don Bhainistíocht Réasúnach. Elson agus Tuomi. Tábla 14)

970

4276 1945

7746 5174

Iomláin

710

1222 1247

126

750

234

752

572

641

112

106

748

An tSruthail & a Craobh -aibhneacha

^ Córas na Finne

An Ró

^ An Ríleán

370

Gleann Aichle

338

844

590

An Fhochain

^ An Fhinn

666

Droim Rátha

266

An Dianaid

422

An Daoil

734

Cúil Dabhcha

An Dearg

708

An Chamabhainn

278

252

1332

428

184

252

303

646

1365

3039

Taoide Lán

604

322

Taoide Lán

324

387

334

567

Taoide Lán

404

Elson 96/97 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08

Aibhneacha

AGUISÍN 2 Caomhnú Iascach, Staidreamh Cosanta Agus Bainistíochta

Table 1 Áirimh Sceathraí Limistéar an Fheabhalil 1996/97 – 2007/08 (Láithreacha Sceathraí)

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Tábla 2 Sonraí Áirimh Iasc Limistéar an Fheabhail 1989 - 2007 Bliain

An Fhochain

Muil. an tSiáin

Gleann Aichle/

An Ró

An Fhinn An tSruthail

bhainn Rí

Abhainn Choilleadh 1989

8287

1990

6458

1991

4301

7987

1992

7357

7420

1993

8655

17978

1994

7439

19908

1995

10838

7547

1996

13297

8978

1997

3525

7047

1998

3077

9599

1999

6514

2000

2551

4690

2001

1518

6250

2742

3265

3311

2002

4288

12991

4543

5459

5768

2003

3097

12129

1908

4086

6461

2004

2,855

10,270

1.922

3,778

2005

4,245

9,397

1,269

2,917

8,571

2006

3,625

9,352

1,478

5748

2007

1,257**

3,714**

1,705

5,375

3,278

126***

32***

*áiritheoir as ord **áireamh íseal mar gheall ar dheacrachtaí sa séasúr – tagair ***áiritheoirí ar obair go mall i 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Tábla 3 Sonraí Áirimh Iasc Limistéar an Fheabhail go 31ú Nollaig 2007 Mí

Líon. iasc >45cm Fochain*

Abh. Choilleadh**

An Abhainn Ómaigh*** an Iúir***

119

-4

148

133

368

133

Aibreán

244

588

Bealtaine

232

873

247

Meitheamh 1184

1003

197

305

Iúl

388

228

461

366

274

Lúnasa

418

165

2277

100

257

Meán Fómhair

262

489

272

Deireadh Fómhair

630

288

233

Samhain

173

366

212

103

Nollaig

141

Iomlán

3,714

3,278

5,375

1,257

1,705

126

Morn*

Finn

Eanáir

532

Feabhra

264

Márta

Ró

*Mar gheall ar thaoide an-ard nuair a tharla an príomhrith scoith a lán iasc suímh na n-áiritheoirí agus níor cláraíodh iad. Is dócha mar sin gur áirimh an-ísle iad seo **Ní raibh Cainéal 1 ar obair le linn an tséasúir agus mar sin is meastachán an-íséal é seo ***Áiseanna úra iad an dá shuíomh seo agus tá obair bhailíochtaithe fós le déanamh orthu. Mar is amhlaidh le cuid de na háiseanna eile ní chumhdaíonn siad seo iomlán chainéal na habhann agus ós eol gur scoith éisc an t-achar áirimh roimhe seo ba chóir iad seo a mheas ina n-áirimh an-ísle.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Tábla 4 Gabhálacha Seachtainiúla Bradán agus Bláthán Limistéar an Fheabhail Le hInnill Thráchtála 2007 Seacht. dár chríoch

Sruthlíonta Loch Feabhail

Líonta Tarraingthe An Fhochain agus an Ró

Iomláin

Líon.

Cg.

Líon.

Cg.

Líon.

Cg.

16 Meith

23 Meith

108

208

131

248

30 Meith

195

444

467

840

662

1284

07 Iúl

193

430

266

524

459

954

14 Iúl

441

1006

430

918

871

1924

21 Iúl

335

771

555

1326

890

2097

28 Iúl

913

2204

703

1610

1616

3814

04 Lún

498

1161

237

571

735

1732

11 Lún

18 Lún

25 Lún

Iomláin

2598

6056

2774

6015

5372

12071

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Tábla 5 Gabhálacha Bliantúla Bradán agus Bláthán Limistéar an Fheabhail Le hAicmí Éagsúla Inneall Tráchtála Iascaireachta 1998 - 2007

Aicme Innill Iascaireachta

Gabháil Bhliantúil (Líon.) Bradán agus Bláthán 1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Sruthlíonta: Farraige

7539

2792

3628

2169

5262

3382

2246

2408

602

Sruthlíonta: Loch & Farraige

22717 12097 17339 10739 22556 11846 10143 10649 5197

5197

Sruthlíonta: Loch

1040

346

2598

Líonta Tarraingthe: An Feabhal & An Ró

11141 7893

10339 9476

11917 16991 9490

12143 6031

6031

2774

Innill Sheasta:

Iascach Dhoire

IOMLÁIN

42437 23290 32672 22976 40768 32732 22290 25534 12176 12176

508

1366

592

1033

513

411

334

5372

Tábla 6 Meánghabhálacha Bliantúla Bradán agus Bláthán Limistéar an Fheabhail do gach Aicme Innill Thráchtála Iascaireachta 1998 - 2007 Aicme Innill 1998 Iascaireachta

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Sruthlíonta: Farraige

377

147

202

121

310

188

173

161

Sruthlíonta: Loch & Farraige

288

153

228

141

289

154

147

150

Sruthlíonta: Loch

171

129

144

Líonta Tarraingthe: An Feabhal & An Ró

227

184

220

277

347

421

213

123

277

Innill Sheasta --

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Tábla 7 Líon na gCeadúnas Tráchtála a Eisíodh 1998 - 2007 Aicme an Cheadúnais

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Sruthlíonta: Farraige

Sruthlíonta: Loch & Farraige

Sruthlíonta: Loch

Líonta 48 Tarraingthe : An Feabhal

An Ró

Innill Sheasta --

1 --

Tábla 8 Coimheas Ghábháil Lín Limistéar an Fheabhail a Ceapadh Ag Aicmí Éagsúla Inneall Iascaireachta 1998 – 2007 Aicme Innill Iascaireachta

Proportion of Foyle Area Net Catch 1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Sruthlíonta: Farraige

17.8

12.8

11.1

9.4

12.9

10.3

10.1

9.4

4.9

Sruthlíonta: Loch & Farraige

53.4

55.4

53.1

46.7

55.4

36.2

45.5

41.7

42.7

Sruthlíonta: Loch

2.5

2.3

4.2

2.6

2.5

1.6

1.8

1.3

2.8

48.4

Líonta Tarraingthe: An Feabhal & An Ró

26.3

29.5

31.6

41.3

29.2

51.9

42.58

47.6

49.6

51.6

Innill Sheasta:

0.02

Iascach Dhoire:

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Camabhainn An Rí Cúil Dabhcha An Daoil Dianaid An Dearg Droim Rátha Fochain Finn Feabhal Gleann Aichle Morn Abhainn Choilleadh Ríleán Ró Sruthail Abhainn Bhán Níor Taifeadadh Iomláin

Tábla 9

390 18

408

Cg.

50 2

Líon.

Márta

187

146

18 351

2 49

Líon.

Aibreán

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007 38

5 9 1617

2 252

405

65 1052 12

16 160 2 62

Líon.

Bealtaine

426

18 9 1

68 154 2 1 131

Líon. 7

589 4 1548 1258

1 118 1 369 295

Cg. 50

Líon. 10

Iúl

92 6 334 98 1

Líon. 13

443 34 1564 463 4

Cg. 65

Lúnasa

2 13 421 1947 444 2743 8 42 38 188 5 29 2 6 92 85 384 168 969 60 55 291 47 245 5 6 39 10 52 7 36 6 20 2025 1383 6233 1260 6802

290 687 16 9 658

168

Cg 40

Meitheamh

Tuairisceáin Ghabhálacha Slaite (Bradán & Bláthán) 2007

7 3 31 10 230 23 5 12 361 39 1 148 33 7 5 921

34 8 160 40 1267 91 37 79 2234 212 6 922 176 30 21 5350 81 23 20 2 586

19 219 48

30 2 115

Fómhair Líon. Cg. 18 107

hair Líon. Cg. 6 33

Iomláin

Líon. Cg. 54 295 0 0 0 0 44 18 87 3 8 155 310 1544 8 19 86 636 1132 5370 805 4128 12 87 114 34 215 1411 1660 9544 269 133 711 9 48 560 500 2927 154 172 964 119 44 245 10 24 114 3587 4929 26373

Deireadh

Meán Fóm-

Tábla 9 Tuairisceáin Ghabhálacha Slaite (Bradán & Bláthán) 2007

Camabhainn Cúil Dabhcha Dearg Droim Rátha Fochain Finn Feabhal Gleann Aichle Morn Abhainn Choilleadh Ríleán Ró Sruthail Abhainn Bhán Níor Taifeadadh Iomláin

Tábla 10

3 12

7 2

4 17

9 4

Márta Líon. Cg.

7 17

5 21

Aibreán Líon. Cg. 1 1

11 38

5 9 6

23 65

5 7 23

Bealtaine Líon. Cg. 2 2

1 5 4 18 52

10 6 2

2 5 12 17 62

7 6 6

Meitheamh Líon. Cg. 2 2

14 12 12 9 117

11 4

3 1 29 21 1

17 21 40 9 167

14 5

3 1 33 22 2

Iúl Líon. Cg.

12 7 11 12 71

6 3

10 5 1

12 7 37 35 134

18 3

10 7 2

Lúnasa Líon. Cg. 1 1

Tuairisceáin Ghabhálacha Slaite (Breac) 2007

1 1 7 18 46

3 1

5 3

5 1 23 16 78

6 4

5 8

M. Fómhair Líon. Cg. 7 10

12 8 26

1 2

47 8 65

1 2

D. Fómhair Líon. Cg.

Iomláin Líon. Cg. 13 16 0 0 7 6 10 10 57 63 52 55 12 37 0 0 25 44 8 12 0 0 31 43 32 47 46 159 86 117 379 609

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Tábla 10 Tuairisceáin Ghabhálacha Slaite (Breac) 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Tábla 11 Tuairisceáin Shlatiascaireachta

100

Bliain

Gabháil Slaite Bradán Fógartha

Gabháil Slaite Breac Geal Fógartha

Tuairisceáin mar % de Cheadúnais a Eisíodh

1999

1022

679

3.74

2000

723

417

2.55

2001

3188

450

17.68

2002

5117

1010

27.93

2003

1844

361

15.5

2004

2285

13.99

2005

4084

413

25.77

2006

3476

469

2007

4929

379

22.11

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Tábla 12 Dáileadh Ceadúnas Slaite 2007 Áit Chónaí

Séasúr Aosach

Droimscríobh

14 Lá

3 Lá

Ógánach Garbh Aosach & Ógánach

Lim Feabh & C’Linn

3066

1493

723

220

157

Cuid eile de TÉ

418

2759

526

Cuid eile de PÉ

271

217

IOMLÁN

3575

4523

1466 256

196

Sasana

Albain An Bhreatain Bheag

Oileán Mhanann

IOMLÁN

An Spáinn

An Ostair

An Bheilg

An Fhrainc

An Ghearmáin

An Iodáil IOMLÁN

3 2

2 3

Meiriceá

An Afraic Theas

An Nua-Shéalainn Gan Taifeadadh

IOMLÁN

MÓRIOMLÁN

3595

4543

122

1547

263

202

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

101

Tábla 13 Líon Aontuithe Tarraingthe le Scaoileadh a Breithníodh 2003 - 2007 Cineál an Eisiltigh

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Cóireáil Chamrais

105

Níochán Gainimh/Cairéal

Líonadh Talaimh

Tionsclaíoch

Feirm Éisc

Uisce Stoirme

Astarraingt Mhóna

Dumpáil ar Farraige

Níochán Feithicle

Stáisiún Líonta/Dáileadh Ola

Próiseáil Bhia

IOMLÁIN

118

187

Tábla 14 Mionsonraí Samplála Scaoilte d’Fhiosrú ar Thruailliú 2007

102

Nádúr an Eisiltigh

Líon na Samplaí a Tógadh 2007

Dramhaíl Feirme

Camras

Dramhaíl Trádála

Eile

Iomláin

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Truailliú agus Eachtraí a Bhain le Gnáthóga Iascach a d’Fhiosraigh an Fhoireann

Tábla 15A Truailliú agus Eachtraí a Bhain le Gnáthóga Iascach a d’Fhiosraigh an Fhoireann An Crios Láir CÚRSA UISCE

EACHTRAÍ

An Mhorn Bheag

Abhainn Liag Áine

Sruth Ghleann na gCoiníní

Sruth Ghleann Láirc

Abhainn Choilleadh

Craobh Ghleann Aichle

An Mhorn

An Dearg

An Abhainn Riabhach Thoir

Iomlán

28 Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

103

Tábla 15 B Truailliú agus Eachtraí a Bhain le Gnáthóga Iascach a d’Fhiosraigh an Fhoireann An Crios Thoir CÚRSA UISCE

EACHTRAÍ

Abhainn Mhagh

Sruth Giobach

Sruth Dianaid

An Abhainn Bheag

Sruth na Coille

Abhainn Bhoith Mhéabha

Abhainn an Chaisil

Abhainn Ró

Gleann Mhurnáin

An Fhochain

An Feabhal Theas

Iomlán

Tábla 15 C Truailliú agus Eachtraí a Bhain le Gnáthóga Iascach a d’Fhiosraigh an Fhoireann An Crios Thiar CÚRSA UISCE

104

EACHTRAÍ

Abhainn Chúil Dabhcha

Sruth Dianaid

Allt na Péiste

Sruth Garbh

Sruth Dhroim Bó

An Daoil

An Fhinn

Cúil Dabhcha

An Bhréadach

Iomlán

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Tábla 15 D Truailliú agus Eachtraí a Bhain le Gnáthóga Iascach a d’Fhiosraigh an Fhoireann Limistéar Chairlinn CÚRSA UISCE

EACHTRAÍ

An Abhainn Bhán

Abhainn Cheasaí

Abhainn Chill Bhrónaí

Abainn Gheann

Abh Mhaigh Geanainn

An Rí (Barr Srutha)

An Rí

Abhainn an Iúir

An Sruthán

Abhainn Ryland

Abhainn an Ghrianfoirt

Iomlán

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

105

Tábla 15 E Truailliú agus Eachtraí a Bhain le Gnáthóga Iascach a d’Fhiosraigh an Fhoireann An Limistéar Theas CÚRSA UISCE

EACHTRAÍ

Abhainn Dhroim Caoin

Sruth Routing

Sruth Ghleann Scailpe

Abhainn Uí Choigligh

Abhainn Dhroim Rátha

Sruth Dhroim na Coille

An Abhainn Riabhach

Sruth na Ceapaí

Abhainn Allt an Átha

Coillidh Chlochair

An Fhéarach

Sruth Choill Uí Ghabhla

An tSruthail

Droim Rátha

Iomlán

Tábla 15 F Truailliú agus Eachtraí a Bhain le Gnáthóga Iascach a d’Fhiosraigh an Fhoireann Iomláin

106

CÚRSA UISCE

EACHTRAÍ

An Crios Láir

An Crios Thoir

An Crios Thiar

An Crios Theas

Limistéar Chairlinn

Iomlán

163

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An Clár Samplála Abhann 92 suíomh a sampláladh san iomlán i gcomhair anailís bhitheolaíoch agus cheimiceach aibhneacha in abhantracha hidreolaíocha an Fheabhail agus Chairlinn. Mhair tréimhse na samplála ó Mheitheamh go Meán Fómhair 2007 go huile. Tá na suímh shamplála scaipthe ar fud an gcúig chrios mar atá léirithe thios: Thiar Thoir Lár Theas Cairlinn

21 suíomh 22 suíomh 16 suíomh 17 suíomh 16 suíomh

Sampláladh gach ceann de na 92 suíomh leis an cháilíocht cheimiceach a mheasúnú uair gach mí le linn an tséasúir alamaigh. Sampláladh gach suíomh ar bhonn inveirteabrach ag úsáid mhódh mearaitheanta le linn leictriascaireachta. Measúnaíodh gach ceann de na 92 suíomh i gcomhair taxa inveirteabrach Macro uair amháin le linn an tséasúir ag úsáid mhodh mionsonraithe sórtála saotharlainne.

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107

Tábla 16 Sonraí Éisteachtaí Cúirte 2007

Nádúr na Coire

Cúiseanna a Tionscnaíodh Baineadh

Cailleadh

4 Slatiascaireacht mhídhleathach

5 I seilbh geaf nó uirlis mídhleathach

6 Coireanna sciobtha

7 Foghail ar Iascach Eisiatach

8 Ag úsáid lín i limistéar coiscthe

9 Seilbh/úsáid lín mhídhleathach

10 Iascach lín le linn trátha choiscthe nó ar fionraí

11 Ionsaí/cosc ar dhuine údaraithe

12 Seilbh mhídhleathach iasc

1 Slatiascaireacht gan cheadúnas 2 Slatiascaireacht le linn tráth coiscthe 3 Slatiascaireacht i limistéar coiscthe

13 Ag úsáid báid/feithicle mar áis chun coire 14 Sárú straidhne briste 15 Ligean d’ábhar dochrach dul in abhainn 16 Ba chúis le hábhar dochrach dul in abhainn

17 Coireanna déileála bradán 18 Tógáil/úsáid innill shuite

19 Níor thug ainm / thug sonraí bréige

IOMLÁN NA GCÚISEANNA

* Is féidir go dtiocfadh cásanna cúirte suas le 2 bhliain i ndiaidh an chéad bhraith

108

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Tábla 17 Ceadúnais Slaite 2003 – 2007 Cur Síos

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Líon na Dleacht gCeadúnas Cheadúnais (£) Séasúr

2,529

2,781

2,933

2,899

3,595

57,520.00

Garbh Aosach

109

152

197

178

2848.00

Ógánach

1,340

1,549

1,619

1,523

1,822

3644.00

Garbh Ógánach

48.00

Droimscríobhanna 3,595

4,169

4,796

4,839

4,543

4543.00

Coicíse

122

912.00

3 Lá

838

1,035

1,125

959

1,547

5414.50

IOMLÁIN

8,518

9,727

10,779

10,564

11,831

74,929.50

Tábla 18 Ceadanna Slatiascaireachta 2007 Cineál Ceada

2007 Líon

2007 £

Abhainn an Fheabhail

1080.00

Abhainn an Fheabhail Ógánach

40.00

Abhainn na Finne

190

3800.00

Abhainn na Finne Ógánach

130.00

Iomláin

261

5050.00

Tábla 19 Ceadúnais Lín 2007 Cur Síos ar an Cheadúnas

2007 Líon na gCeadúnas a Díoladh

Táille Cheadúnais (£)

Dleacht Chéadúnais a Íocadh (£)

Tarraingthe (An Feabhal)

179

1790

Sruthlíon (Loch Feabhail)

253

4554

IOMLÁIN

432

6344

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

109

Tábla 20 Ceadúnais Dhéileálaithe Bradán 2007

110

Áit Chónaí an Déileálaí

Líon na gCeadúnas a Eisíodh 2007

Poblacht na hÉireann

Tuaisceart na hÉireann

IOMLÁIN

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

FOYLE, CARLINGFORD AND IRISH LIGHTS COMMISSION LOUGHS AGENCY Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December

2007

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111

112

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Contents

Foreword Brief History Statutory Background Result for the Year Performance Targets Principal Activities Statement of Accounting Officer’s Responsibilities

114 114 114 114 114 114 119

Statement on Internal Control

120

The Certificate of the Comptrollers and Auditors General to the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly

125

Income and Expenditure Account

127

Balance Sheet

128

Cash Flow Statement Statement of Recognised Gains & Losses for the year ended 31 December 2007

129 131

Notes to the Accounts 1. Accounting Policies 2. Superannuation Scheme 3. Staff Costs and Board Remuneration 4. Revenue and Capital Grants 5. Salmon Fishermen Hardship Grants 6. Ordinary Income 7. Administrative Expenses 8. Tangible Fixed Assets 9. Debtors and Prepayments 10. Creditors and Accruals 11. Capital Grants 12. Deferred Revenue Grants 13. Superannuation Scheme 14. General Reserve 15. Commitments 16. Contingent Liabilities 17. Post Balance Sheet Events 18. Operating Lease 19. Related Party Transactions 20. Financial Instruments 21. Losses and Special Payments 22. Prior year Adjustment Accounts Direction

132 133 134 135 137 137 138 139 140 141 141 142 143 143 146 147 147 147 147 148 148 149 150 151

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Foreword The Board presents the financial accounts for the year ended 31 December 2007.

Brief History The Foyle Fisheries Commission was established in 1952 under legislation enacted in both jurisdictions with the primary objective of the conservation of the Foyle waterway system. Following the Good Friday Agreement, the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) was created to continue the work done by the Foyle Fisheries Commission and to achieve similar objectives in Carlingford Lough and its waterways. The FCILC became operational on 2 December 1999 at which time the assets and liabilities of the Foyle Fisheries Commission were transferred to the Loughs Agency. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with: •

•

A form directed by and approved by the Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department of Finance as provided for in the Body’s Financial Memorandum. The North / South annual reports and accounts guidance provided by the Department of Finance and Personnel, and the Department of Finance.

Statutory Background The British/Irish Agreement Act 1999 and the North/South (Implementation Bodies) (N.I.) Order 1999 provided for the transfer of the powers of the Foyle Fisheries Commission to a new body, The Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC). The board of the FCILC who, in exercising the functions of the body, are required to act in accordance with any directions given by the North/South Ministerial Council, to which it also reports. The FCILC was to be composed of two agencies, the Loughs Agency and the Lights Agency. The functions of the Irish Lights Commission have not yet transferred to the Lights Agency of the FCILC, as this requires amendment to the current United Kingdom legislation. This situation is currently being considered under the St Andrews Review which is due to report in 2009. These accounts deal with the Loughs Agency of the FCILC. The Lights Agency is not in operational existence.

Result for the Year The Loughs Agency is jointly funded by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (the Departments). The Loughs Agency incurred a deficit of £465,985 Stg / €681,298 for the year ended 31 December 2007 (2006 restated: deficit of £975,322 Stg/€1,429,800).

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Performance Targets The Annual Reports and Accounts guidance for North/South Implementation Bodies (published December 2006) requires the reporting of financial performance against key targets. During the 2007 year, the Agency prepared and obtained the approval from the North/South Ministerial Council, of a corporate plan for 2005-2007 and a business plan for 2007. A further Corporate Plan covering the period 2008-10 was approved by the North/South Ministerial Council in November 2007. As the activities of the Loughs Agency do not correlate with measuring its performance against financial targets, the Agency has not reported performance targets in these accounts. On an on-going basis the Agency monitors its performance against the objectives and targets as set out in its business plan.

Principal Activities The strategic priorities of the Loughs Agency, within the Corporate Plan, can be grouped into 4 major areas: 1)

2) 3) 4)

The promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreation purposes in respect of marine, fishery and aquaculture matters; The management, conservation, protection, improvement and development of the Inland Fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas; The development and licensing of aquaculture; The development of marine tourism.

The Annual Report provides further detail of the Loughs Agency’s work on these areas during the year.

Changes in Fixed Assets Details of the movement in fixed assets are set out in note 8 to the accounts.

Research and Development Total expenditure on Research and Development in 2007 was £10,789 / €15,774 (2006 £564/€828).

Post Balance Sheet Events There were no significant post balance sheet events.

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Charitable Donations The Loughs Agency made no charitable donations during the year.

Board Members Mr Tarlach O’Crosain (Re-Appointed 13/12/07) Mr Peter Savage (End of term 12/12/07) Ms Jacqui McConville (Re-Appointed 13/12/07) Mr Jack Allen (End of term 12/12/07) Ms Siobhan Logue (End of term 12/12/07) Mr Joseph Martin (End of term 12/12/07) Mr Dick Blakiston-Houston (End of term 12/12/07) Mr Francis Feely (End of term 12/12/07) Dr Patrick Griffin (End of term 12/12/07) Mr Andrew Ward (End of term 12/12/07) Mr Enda Bonner (Appointed 13/12/07) Mr Brendan Byrne (Appointed 13/12/07) Mr John Byrne (Appointed 13/12/07) Mr Denis Haughey (Appointed 13/12/07) Mr Alan McCulla (Appointed 13/12/07) Mr Joe Miller (Appointed 13/12/07) Mr John Mulcahy (Appointed 13/12/07) Mr Winston Patterson (Appointed 13/12/07) Mr Thomas Sloan (Appointed 13/12/07) Mr Jim Wilson (Appointed 13/12/07)

Chairperson Ex - Chairperson Vice Chairperson

In December 2007 the North / South ministerial Council appointed the members of the Boards of the North South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland Ltd. The Council also approved the following revised rates of remuneration for members of the boards per annum. Chairperson £9,520 / (€14,000), Vice-Chairperson £7,820 / (€11,500) and members £6,120) / (€9,000). Board members’salaries are not pensionable.

Board Members’ Responsibilities The board monitors and directs the work of the Loughs Agency towards the achievement of the objectives approved by the North/South Ministerial Council. These objectives are fully detailed in the Agency’s corporate and business plans. They require the Agency to provide sustainable benefits to the economy, the environment and to society in the Foyle and Carlingford areas through the conservation, protection, development, and management of water based resources. They also require the Agency to raise public awareness of the resources of the waterways of the area and deliver these improvements

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through the development of partnerships with the users of the catchments.

Employment Objectives The Loughs Agency is committed to providing information to employees and to consulting them on appropriate matters. The Loughs Agency follows the Northern Ireland Civil Service Code of Practice on Employment of Disabled People. This code of practice is to help the Agency achieve equality of opportunity for people with disabilities and to make full use of the skills and abilities that people with disabilities possess, through career development, training, opportunities for flexible working and the provision, of adaptations to premises, equipment or support.

Equal Opportunities The Agency follows the NI Civil Service Equal Opportunity Policy that aims to foster a culture that rewards achievement and encourages every member of staff to develop his or her potential. We are committed to providing employment equality to all, irrespective of: • Gender, marital or family status; • Religious belief or political opinion; • Disability; • Race or ethnic origin; • Nationality; • Sexual orientation. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. Our building is fully compliant with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

Payment to Suppliers The Loughs Agency is committed to the prompt payment of bills for goods and services received in accordance with the UK Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, as amended and supplemented by the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Regulations 2002 and the Irish Late Payments in Commercial Transactions Regulations 2002. As appropriate the Loughs Agency will also be bound by any EU Directives on late payment. Unless otherwise stated in the contract, payment is due within 30 days of the receipt of the goods or services, or upon presentation of a valid invoice or similar demand, whichever is later. During the year 93.26% (2006: 92.78%) of bills were paid within this standard.

Health and Safety The Loughs Agency is committed to complying with the Health & Safety at work (NI) Order 1978, the Safety, Health and Welfare at work Act 1989 and to all relevant legislation. It will continue to strive to provide and maintain a working environment that Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

117

is safe, without undue risk to health and with adequate facilities and arrangements for welfare of staff at work. A Health and Safety Officer has been in post since 2006.

Freedom of Information and Data Protection The Agency is currently exempt from the Freedom of Information Acts in UK and Ireland however a Code of Practice has been developed and implemented for all the Cross Border Bodies. The Agency is registered under the Data protection Act 1998 with the Office of the Information Commissioners and will fully comply with its obligations under this Act and its equivalent in Ireland.

Environmental Regulations The Agency also follows its obligations under the UK Environmental Regulations 2004 and the legislation governing Access to Information on the Environment in Ireland.

Future Developments The most significant development that will impact on the work of the Loughs Agency will be following the commencement of the amended Foyle Fisheries Acts, which will fully roll out the responsibilities of the Agency in the areas of Aquaculture, Shellfisheries and Marine Tourism through a suite of regulations.

Audit As Chief Executive and Accounting Officer I am required to ensure that all relevant audit information is provided to the auditors. I have taken all reasonable steps to make myself aware of any relevant audit information and have ensured that all such information is made available. I would also confirm that there is no relevant audit information about which I am aware that the auditors have not been informed about. These accounts have been subject to a formal audit by the Comptrollers and Auditors General. The certificate and report of the Comptrollers and Auditors General to the Northern Ireland Assembly, and the Houses of the Oireachtas are included at pages 10 and 11.

Going Concern The balance sheet at 31st December 2007 shows net liabilities of (£1,239,999). This reflects the inclusion of liabilities falling to be discharged in future years which, to the extent that they are not to be met from the Loughs Agency’s other sources of income, may only be met by future grants or grants in aid from the Loughs Agency’s sponsoring Departments being the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the Republic of Ireland and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland. This is because, under the normal conventions applying to

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Parliamentary/Assembly control over Income and Expenditure, such grants may not be issued in advance of need. Grants and Grants in Aid for 2007, taking into account the amounts required to meet the Agency’s liabilities falling due in that year, have already been included in the departments estimates for that year, which have been approved by the respective parliaments, and there is no reason to believe that the departments future sponsorship and future parliamentary approval will not be forthcoming. It has accordingly been considered appropriate to adopt a going concern basis for the preparation of these financial statements.

Accounting Officer Mr Derick Anderson, Chief Executive, is the accountable person of the Loughs Agency.

D Anderson Chief Executive and Accounting Officer 5th November 2009

Statement of Accountable Person’s Responsibilities The Department of Finance and Personnel and the Department of Finance have directed the Loughs Agency to prepare a statement of accounts for each financial year in the form and on the basis set out in the accounts direction on page 31. The accounts are prepared on an accruals basis and must give a true and fair view of the Agency’s state of affairs at its year end and of its income and expenditure, recognised gains and losses and cash flows for the financial year. In preparing the accounts, the Loughs Agency is required to: •

Observe the accounts direction issued by the sponsor departments, including the relevant accounting disclosure requirements, and apply accounting policies on a consistent basis;

•

Make judgements and estimates on a reasonable basis;

•

State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed and disclose and explain any material departures in the financial statements;

•

Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Agency will continue in operation.

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The Chief Executive’s responsibilities as the accounting officer of the Loughs Agency, including responsibility for the propriety and regularity of the public finances and for the keeping of proper records, are set out in the Agency’s Financial Memorandum.

Statement on Internal Control 1.

Scope of Responsibility

As Accountable Person, I have responsibility for maintaining a sound system of internal control, that supports the achievement of the Loughs Agency’s policies, aims and objectives, as set out by the departments’ Ministers whilst safeguarding the public funds and departmental assets for which I am personally responsible, in accordance with the responsibilities assigned to me in Government Accounting Northern Ireland, North/South Implementation Bodies Annual Report & Accounts Guidance 2006 and Public Finance Procedures. A Policy and Resource Framework is in place which sets out the role and aims of the Loughs Agency, its duties and powers, the responsibilities of the Chairman, Board and Chief Executive, and the relationship with the Ministers and sponsoring Departments. The functions of the Loughs Agency are set out in North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (NI) Order 1999, the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999, the Foyle Fisheries Act (NI) 1952 (as amended) and the Foyle Fisheries Act 1952 (as amended). The Agency formulates its Corporate Plan and Objectives after it has taken full cognisance of the Primary Legislation North & South, the Foyle Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (FCILC) Board, its sponsoring Departments, the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the Foyle and Carlingford Area Advisory Forum. The Corporate Plan sets out the objectives over a three year period and a Business Plan which details the business objectives for the third year of the Corporate plan, together with appropriate targets and performance measures. Results against targets and performance measures are reported monthly and in the annual report at the year end. The fundamental objective is to promote the development of the resources of the Foyle and Carlingford catchments for commercial and recreational purposes. The Accounting Officer must ensure that the Agency adheres to the conditions attached to the public funds provided to it. The Government Accounting Northern Ireland (GANI), Financial Reporting Manual (FReM) 2007 -08, North/South Implementation Bodies Annual Report & Accounts Guidance 2006 and relevant Dear Accounting Officer (DAO’s) letters set out the controls to be exercised over the different areas of activity, either by the Departments directly or by the Loughs Agency, through its board under delegated authority.

The purpose of the system of internal control

The system of internal control is designed to manage risk to a reasonable level rather than to eliminate all risk of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives; it can

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therefore only provide reasonable and not absolute assurance of effectiveness. The system of internal control is based on an ongoing process designed to identify and prioritise the risks to the achievement of the Agency’s policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the likelihood of those risks being realised and the impact should they be realised, and to manage them efficiently, effectively and economically. The system of internal control has been in place in the Loughs Agency for the year ended 31 December 2007 and up to the date of approval of the annual report and accounts, and it accords with the Finance Departments’ guidance.

Capacity to handle risk

The Agency has established a risk management committee, to direct the risk management process within the Lough’s Agency. The risk management committee provides regular updates to the Board. The risk management committee reviews and updates the Agency’s strategic risks and has responsibility for the implementation of the risk management policy of the Agency. All staff have been issued with the Loughs Agency risk management policy. This document clearly explains the risk management processes in place and details the roles and responsibilities of all staff and the various boards and committees which are in place as part of the corporate governance framework within the Agency. A programme to regularly train staff in fraud awareness and risk management is in place. This programme is managed by the risk management committee who will initiate training where the review of needs identifies. The senior management takes responsibility for applying and overseeing the risk management process primarily to ensure that it is operating as intended, to challenge content of the risk register and enable the Chief Executive to report on the process to the Board of the FCILC. In addition to reviewing the risk framework, all recommendations received from both the internal and external auditors are reviewed, with controls being enhanced or introduced as necessary. All staff are expected to work within the Loughs Agency policies on risk management, alert management to emerging risks or control weaknesses, participate fully in the risk management process and assume responsibility for risks and controls within their own areas of work.

The risk and control framework

The Loughs Agency continued to develop its risk register during 2007. The register identifies the key risks facing the Loughs Agency and these have been identified and evaluated and graded in relation to their significance. The grading exercise uses a combination of impact and likelihood assessments and was reviewed during the year. The outcome of these assessments is used to plan and allocate resources in order to ensure that risks are managed to an acceptable level. The risk register further details management’s associated controls and actions required to mitigate these risks.

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The Agency recognises that risk management is an evolving process within the Agency and hopes to continue to embed it within the organisation by developing the following: • •

•

Annual reviews of objectives and assessment of risks undertaken by each Division; Completion of standard risk assessment forms to ensure risks are recorded in a structured way and the use of defined criteria to ensure that risks are evaluated consistently; Inclusion of risk management as an agenda item on each SMT monthly management meeting, to enable reporting and review of new risks, the effectiveness of controls over risks identified, the progress of action plans, and to facilitate early corrective action. It is planned in 2008 for the Risk Register to be distributed to the key owners of risks within the Agency on a quarterly basis. Action points will be delivered from this process.

Review of effectiveness

As accountable person, I have responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the system of internal control. My review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control is informed by the work of the internal audit units of the departments, and the executive managers within the Loughs Agency who have responsibility for the development and maintenance of the internal control framework, and comments made by the external auditors in their management letter and other reports. I have been advised of the implications of the result of my review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control by the Board, the Audit Committee and Risk Management Committee and plan to address weaknesses and ensure continuous improvement of the system is in place. As accountable person, I also have responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of internal control. The Loughs Agency has established the following processes: • • • • •

•

122

Comprehensive budgeting systems with an annual budget that is reviewed and agreed by the senior management and audit committee; Regular reviews by management of financial reports including bank reconciliations, payment schedules, grant in aid and other income; Clearly defined capital investment control guidelines; Appropriate formal project management disciplines. The risk management committee continues to update the risks previously identified and update the Agency’s Risk Register. In addition actions have been identified and allocated to relevant Loughs Agency officers/staff. Senior Managers within the Loughs Agency have been given a timetable of events in support of the performance of the respective reviews of effectiveness. Following the reviews of effectiveness I am provided with annual stewardship certificates for all four operational management areas within the Agency. These certificates provide me with a number of assurances

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

•

2007

that I require to support the comments I make in the Statement of Internal Control. These statements provide assurance over the systems that make up the operating environment of the Loughs Agency. Two meetings of the Audit and Finance and Personnel Committee took place in 2007 at which the progress of the risk management process was reviewed, and all Internal Audit reports were addressed.

The Loughs Agency has an agreement with the Internal Audit Units of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to carry out joint internal audit testing of the Agency. The work of the internal audit units is informed by analysis of the risk to which the Loughs Agency is exposed and annual internal audit plans are based on this analysis.

Significant Internal Control Issues

Internal Audit Issue

The Internal Audit (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development DARD) provided a report on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Loughs Agency’s system of internal control as operating during 2007. Internal Audit’s initial opinion of the control operating within the Agency was unacceptable. This opinion was based on procedural inadequacies identified during the review and related to purchasing and tendering procedures, the professional Angling Guides and Instructors Network (PAGIN) relationship with the Agency and financial and contract management. Specific concerns relating to PAGIN included the lack of contract in place with that body for the provision of their services, no written agreement of the number of people engaged in training services for the Loughs Agency Angling Fair nor the rate per hour. Additionally although PAGIN had been carrying out a coaching service which involved working with children the Agency had not carried out checks to confirm that the required qualifications and police clearance for working with children and vulnerable adults had been obtained. A subsequent Internal Audit review was undertaken of the controls introduced towards the financial year end and this attracted a satisfactory marking.

ii) Salmon Hardship Scheme A Salmon Hardship Scheme was approved by the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) and the European Commission (EC) at a total estimated cost of £2,875,000 (€ 4,270,000) .The scheme was intended to conserve fish stocks and compensate commercial salmon fishermen who voluntarily agreed to cease fishing. The scheme was based on the value of the average catch over a period of years multiplied by a factor of six. However a typographical error meant that the NSMC and the EC approvals were for a factor of five. Payments were made using a factor of six and this resulted in irregular expenditure of £187,364 (€ 266,170).

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Our external auditors drew this matter to our attention in the course of their audit and it was decided that the accounts would not be finalised until the position was regularised. On 30 April 2009 the NSMC approved the use of the factor of six in the calculation of the compensation and the EC confirmed on 29 June 2009 that no further action was necessary in relation to the approval of the scheme by the Commission. The position has therefore been regularised.

D ANDERSON Chief Executive and Accounting Officer 5th November 2009

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2007

The Certificate of the Comptrollers and Auditors General to the Houses of the Oireachtas and the Northern Ireland Assembly We have audited the accounts of the Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission Loughs Agency for the year ended 31 December 2007 pursuant to the provisions of the North/South Co-operation (Implementation Bodies) (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and the British-Irish Agreement Act 1999 which require us to audit and certify, in co-operation, the accounts presented to us by the Body. The accounts, which have been prepared under the accounting policies set out therein, comprise the Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and the related notes.

Respective Responsibilities of the Body, Chief Executive and the Auditors The responsibilities of the Agency and the Chief Executive, including those pertaining to the preparation of the accounts in accordance with applicable law and the regularity of financial transactions are set out in the Statement of Responsibilities. It is our responsibility to audit the accounts in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). We report our opinion as to whether the accounts give a true and fair view, and have been properly prepared, in accordance with the accounts direction issued under the governing legislation. We also report our opinion as to whether in all material respects the expenditure and income have been applied for the purposes intended by Dáil Éireann and the Northern Ireland Assembly and whether the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them; and whether proper accounting records have been kept by the Body. In addition, we state whether we have obtained all the information and explanations necessary for the purposes of our audit, and whether the accounts are in agreement with the accounting records. We review whether the Statement on Internal Control reflects the Body’s compliance with applicable guidance on corporate governance and report any material instance where it does not do so, or if the statement is misleading or inconsistent with other information we are aware of from our audit of the accounts. We are not required to consider whether the Statement on Internal Control covers all financial risks and controls, or to form an opinion on the effectiveness of the risk and control procedures. We read the other information contained in the Annual Report, and consider whether it is consistent with the audited financial statements. We consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements.

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Basis of Audit Opinion We conducted our audit of the accounts in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts, disclosures and regularity of financial transactions included in the accounts. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgments made by the Agency and the Chief Executive in the preparation of the accounts, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the Body’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations that we considered necessary to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the accounts are free from material misstatement, whether caused by error, or fraud or other irregularity and that, in all material respects, the expenditure and income have been applied for the purposes intended by the Northern Ireland Assembly and Dáil Éireann and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them. In forming our opinion we have also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the accounts.

Opinion In our opinion •

•

the accounts, which have been properly prepared in accordance with the accounts direction issued under the governing legislation, give a true and fair view, in accordance with that direction, of the state of the Agency’s affairs at 31 December 2007 and of its deficit for the year then ended in all material respects the expenditure and income have been applied for the purposes intended by Dáil Éireann the Northern Ireland Assembly and the financial transactions conform to the authorities which govern them.

We have obtained all the information and explanations that we consider necessary for the purpose of our audit. In our opinion proper accounting records have been kept by the Agency. The accounts are in agreement with the accounting records. John Buckley Irish Comptroller and Auditor General Dublin Castle Dublin 2 16th November 2009

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K J Donnelly Comptroller and Auditor General for Northern Ireland University Street Belfast BT7 1EU 16th November 2009

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Income and Expenditure Account

Income

Note

2007 £ Stg

As Restated 2006 £ Stg

2007 €

As Restated 2006 €

Revenue grants from departments 4 3,275,145 2,543,720 4,788,459 3,732,273 Salmon Fishermen Hardship Grant 5 1,770,530 - 2,588,621 Ordinary income 6 94,648 113,341 138,382 166,300 EU and government grants 11 449,201 386,552 656,759 567,168 released Release of grant on disposal 13,023 69,249 19,040 102,849 Bailiffing 9,989 9,000 14,604 13,204 Interest received 22,410 11,668 32,765 17,120 5,634,946 3,133,530 8,238,630 4,598,914 Expenditure Staff costs Salmon Fishermen Hardship Payment Administrative expenses Interest on Pension Scheme Liabilities Currency exchange (Profit) / loss on disposal of fixed assets Depreciation Operating (deficit) taken to reserves

3 2,052,921 1,777,523 3,001,494 2,608,070 5 1,770,530 - 2,588,621 7 1,588,803 1,551,354 2,322,925 2,276,226 13 262,545 232,675 383,857 341,392 4,688 (9,335)

3,145 125,819

430,779 418,336 6,100,931 4,108,852 12 (465,985) (975,322)

6,854 (13,648)

4,615 184,608

629,825 613,803 8,919,928 6,028,71 (681,298) (1,429,800)

All amounts relate to continuing activities. Prior Year Adjustment The adjusted figures for 2006 relate to a prior year adjustment for FRS 17 Pension adjustments (Note 22). These included interest on pension scheme liabilities and the operating cost of the pension included within staff costs (Note 3) for 2006. The notes on pages 16 to 30 form part of these accounts.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

127

Balance Sheet

2007 £ Stg

Note Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets Current Assets Debtors and prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Current Liabilities Creditors and accruals Deferred revenue grants

205,700 414,500 620,200

154,018 349,444 503,462

279,154 562,520 841,674

228,747 518,994 747,741

10 12

306,705 105,754 559,748

280,971 143,519

416,229 412,459 417,298

417,298 280,971

207,741

222,491

281,926

330,443

5,383,128

6,253,191

Total Assets less Current Liabilities

Represented By Capital grants General reserve

2007 €

As Restated 2006 €

3,758,899 3,987,846 5,101,2025,922,748

Net Current Assets

Provisions Superannuation scheme Net Liabilities

As Restated 2006 £ Stg

3.966,640

4,210,337

5,206,639 (1,239,999)

5,163,251 7,065,930 7,668,460 (952,914) (1,682,802) (1,415,269)

11 3,758,899 14 (4,998,898)

3,987,846 5,101,202 5,922,748 (4,940,760) (6,784,004) (7,338,017)

(1,239,999)

(952,914) (1,682,802) (1,415,269)

Prior Year Adjustment The adjusted figures for 2006 relate to a prior year adjustment for FRS 17 Pension adjustments (Note 22) and including the Superannuation Scheme Liability at year end. (Note 13). The notes on pages 16 to 30 form part of these accounts. D ANDERSON Chief Executive and Accounting Officer 5th November 2009

128

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Cash Flow Statement

Note

2007 £ Stg

As Restated 2006 £ Stg

2007 €

As Restated 2006 €

20,288

(304,975)

(42,132)

(425,741)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from continuing activities Return on investment and servicing of finance Capital expenditure and financial investment Net cash outflow before financing Financing

22,410

11,668

32,765

17,120

(192,497)

(298,280)

(261,238)

(443,006)

(149,799)

(591,587)

(270,605)

(851,627)

214,855

301,780

314,131

442,787

Increase/(decrease) in Cash

65,056

(289,807)

43,526

(408,840)

Reconciliation of operating (deficit) to net cash inflow / (outflow) from continuing activities Operating (deficit) (465,985) (975,322) (681,298) (1,429,800) Profit/(loss) on disposal of (9,335) 125,819 (13,648) 184,608 fixed assets Depreciation 8 430,779 418,336 629,825 613,803 Capital grant release 11 (430,779) (360,591) (629,825) (529,077 Revenue grant released other 11 (18,422) (25,961) (26,934) (38,091) (Profit) on disposal of capital (13,023) (69,249) (19,040) (102,849) grant assets Interest received (22,410) (11,668) (32,765) (17,120) Pension interest 14 262,545 232,675 383,857 341,392 Pension service cost charged 3 242,246 222,432 354,178 326,363 Pension service cost paid (53,556) (69,828) (78,302) (102,457) (Increase)/decrease in debtors (33,260) 133,090 (26,629) 192,272 Increase in creditors 25,734 75,292 (1,069) 139,765 Increase in deferred revenue 12 105,754 154,619 grant Translation exchange difference (55,101) (4,550) Net cash inflow / (outflow) 20,288 (304,975) (42,132) (425,741) from continuing activities

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

129

Cash Flow Statement(continued)

Note

As Restated 2006 £ Stg

2007 €

As Restated 2006 €

(214,855)

(301,780)

(291,580)

(448,204)

22,358

3,500

30,342

5,198

(192,497)

(298,280)

(261,238)

(443,006)

214,855 214,855

301,780 301,780

314,131 314,131

442,787 442,787

2007 £ Stg

Capital expenditure and financial investment Purchase of tangible fixed 8 assets Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets Net cash outflow from capital expenditure and financial investment Reconciliation of financing Capital grants received Net cash inflow from financing

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in cash

130

Increase in cash in year Explained as follows:

65,056

(289,807)

43,526

(408,840)

At 1 January At 31 December Increase /(decrease) in cash in year

349,444 414,500 65,056

639,251 349,444 (289,807)

518,994 562,520 43,526

927,834 518,994 (408,840)

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Statement of Recognised Gains & Losses for the year ended 31 December 2007

Note Movement in Revenue Reserves (Deficit) on continuing operations after depreciation

2007 £ Stg

As Restated 2006 £ Stg

(465,985)

(975,322)

(681,298) (1,429,800)

407,847

100,947

596,297

(58,138)

(874,375)

(85,001) (1,281,686)

2007 €

As Restated 2006 €

Actuarial Gain Actuarial Gain

Total of recognised (loss)/gain for the year

148,114

Prior Period Adjustment – FRS17 FRS 17 Pension adjustment 22 (4,507,947) Currency translation adjustment Total Recognised losses since last report Total

- (6,709,847)

(4,566,085)

(874,375) (6,794,848) (1,281,686)

14 (4,940,760) 14 22

453,856 (7,338,017) 658,744 (145,960) (216,780) (4,374,281) (6,513,725)

Reconciliation Opening reserves Transfer to capital grants Prior year adjustments Total recognised loss relating to the year

(58,138)

(874,375)

Currency translation Closing reserves

(85,001) (1,281,686)

639,014 (4,998,898)

15,430

(4,940,760) (6,784,004) (7,338,017)

The notes on pages 16 to 30 form part of these accounts. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

131

Notes to the Accounts 1. Accounting Policies a) Basis of Accounting These financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The significant accounting policies adopted are set out below. The Board members consider that these accounting policies are suitable, have been consistently applied, and are supported by reasonable and prudent judgements and estimates. b) Fixed Assets and Depreciation From 1 January 2003 a policy was put in place whereby only assets (or groups of assets where appropriate) with costs greater than £1,000/€1,485 have been capitalised. Prior to this all items of a capital nature were capitalised regardless of cost. Fixed assets are stated on the balance sheet at cost less depreciation at annual rates calculated to write off the cost of the assets over their estimated useful lives. The Agency uses the straight line method of depreciation. Fixed asset additions are depreciated from the month of purchase and no depreciation charged in year of disposal. The current rates applied to Fixed Asset additions are: Land & buildings, Interpretive Centre, Weirs

Slipway

Boats & boating equipment

15%

Plant & Equipment

25%

Office equipment / Fixtures & Fittings

10%

Computer equipment

25%

Motor vehicles

25%

c) Currency The financial statements are stated in £Stg as the Board members consider this to be the base currency. The figures contained in the Income and Expenditure Account were converted using the average Euro exchange rate for the year and the Balance Sheet using the rate at the year end. The gain/loss on exchange, which arises from transactions effected in Euro, is deducted from/added to that part of the Loughs Agency’s surplus/ (deficit), which is funded by the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the Republic of Ireland and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland. The year end rate for 2007 is £Stg - €1.35710 (2006: £Stg - €1.48520). The average rate for 2007 is £Stg €1.46206 (2006: £Stg - €1.46725).

132

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

d) Pension Costs The Loughs Agency, under the Foyle Area (Pension) (Amendment) Regulations 1979 made in exercise of its powers under paragraph 16 of the Third Schedule to that Act, provides retirement benefits to its employees. e) EU and Government Grants Capital expenditure incurred to acquire fixed assets and investments is credited to the government grant reserve from grant in aid received. On disposal of a tangible fixed asset, or redemption of a fixed investment, where applicable, the profit or loss arising is credited or charged to the Income and Expenditure account. The balance remaining on the grant reserve in relation to the asset disposed of is then transferred to the Income and Expenditure account. f) Leases Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to administrative costs on a straight line basis over the terms of the lease.

2. Superannuation Scheme The Loughs Agency came into existence on 2 December 1999. On that date the Loughs Agency assumed all the assets and liabilities of the Foyle Fisheries Commission. The Loughs Agency operates a defined benefit pension scheme for current and former employees. An actuarial review of the scheme was completed at 31st December 2007, at which time the accrued liability, as per Balance Sheet, was £5,206,639. Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 17 covers retirement benefits and applies to all financial statements with year ends after June 2001. The liability at 31 December 2007 now has been included in the financial statements and a disclosure note has been included (Note 13) detailing the actuarial review calculations by PWC. This includes the results of the calculations of the pension liabilities and costs of employees (and exemployees) of the Loughs Agency for the purposes of the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2007 and comparative figures for 2006. During 2007, discussions continued with Sponsoring Departments and the Departments of Finance, to resolve the difficulties identified in respect of the incompatibility of the pay arrangements operated by the Loughs Agency and the North/South Pension Scheme. On the 16th March 2007, it was confirmed that the Foyle Fisheries Commission Pension (Amendment) Scheme 1979 should apply to the Loughs Agency (Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission) from 2 December 1999 in accordance with the requirements of the Implementation Bodies Agreement, Annex 2, part 7, paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3. It was also confirmed in this Interim Procedure (IP) that the Foyle Fisheries Commission Pension (Amendment) Scheme 1979 is the same as, and therefore no less favourable than that to which transferred staff were subject immediately before transfer. During 2007, Arthur Cox, Solicitors, were commissioned to draft a legal paper to further regularise current Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

133

pension arrangements and report on options for the future. This options paper was submitted to the Sponsoring Departments and discussions are ongoing with a view to a resolution in 2009.

3. Staff Costs and Board Remuneration The average monthly number of employees (full time equivalent) was:

2007

2006

Senior Management

Administrative

Field staff and inspectorate

Total

It should be noted that the average monthly number of staff includes any secondees and temporary summer time appointments. There were 8 full time equivalents (FTE) in temporary position throughout the year.

Staff Costs and Board Remuneration cont’d

The costs incurred in respect of these employees were:

2007 £

As Restated 2006£

2007€

As Restated 2006€

Wages and Salaries Social security costs Current Service Cost Total staff costs

1,639,137 127,084 242,246 2,008,467

1,405,453 102,013 222,432 1,729,898

2,396,512 185,805 354,178 2,936,495

2,062,151 149,679 326,363 2,538,193

Board remuneration Social security costs Total board costs

42,551 1,903 44,454

45,561 2,064 47,625

62,217 2,782 64,999

66,849 3,028 69,877

2,052,921

1,777,523

3,001,494

2,608,070

2007 Staff costs above include the following £ Contracted (Seconded) staff Temporary staff 207,917 Total temporary staff costs 207,917

2006 £ 39,404 135,573 174,977

2007 €

2006 € -57,816 198,919 256,735

Total board and staff costs

134

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

303,987 303,987

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Excluding the Chief Executive, there were no employees whose remuneration exceeded £50,000/€73,103 per annum. The Chief Executive’s (Derick Anderson aged 59) emoluments including pension scheme contributions were as follows:

Gross Social security costs Other pension costs

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

85,249 9,149 4,778

66,585 6,868 3,995

124,639 13,376 6,986

97,697 10,077 5,862

99,176

77,448

145,001

113,636

Staff Costs and Board Remuneration cont’d

The benefit in kind, which relates to the provision of a motor vehicle, attributed to the Chief Executive was £6,923 / €10,122 (2006: £6,293 / €9,233). The Chief Executive is an ordinary member of the Agency’s pension scheme. Gerard Mills another member of senior management received benefits in kind for a personal issue vehicle in the amount of £548 / €801 (2006: £Nil / €Nil). No other senior management staff received any benefits in kind.

Other Senior Management Name

Age

Gross

Social security costs

Other pension costs

John Pollock – Director of Corporate Services

38,590

3,180

2,306

Gerard Mills – Director of Development

37,983

3,103

2,279

John McCartney – Director of Conservation & Protection

37,687

3,076

2,233

Barry Fox – Aquaculture Director

52,691

5,325

3,156

166,951

14,684

9,974

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

135

The total emoluments of the out-going board members including social security costs were as follows: 2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

Mr Peter Savage

7,156

7,527

10,463

11,044

Mr Jack Allen

3,792

4,000

5,545

5,869

Ms Siobhan Logue

4,466

4,704

6,530

6,902

Mr Joseph Martin

3,792

4,000

5,545

5,869

Mr Dick Blakiston-Houston

3,792

4,000

5,545

5,869

Mr Francis Feely

3,792

4,000

5,545

5,869

Dr Patrick Griffin

4,466

4,704

6,530

6,902

Mr Andrew Ward

4,466

4,704

6,530

6,902

Mr Tarlach O’Crossain

4,000

5,848

5,869

Ms Jacqui McConville

4,732

4,704

6,918

6,902

1,282

1,880

44,454

47,625

64,999

69,877

Lord Cooke of Islandreagh

In December 2007 the North / South ministerial Council appointed the members of the Boards of the North South Implementation Bodies and Tourism Ireland Ltd. The Council also approved the following revised rates of remuneration for members of the board’s pre annum. Chairperson £9,520 (€14,000), Vice-Chairperson - £7,820 (€11,500) and members £6,120 (€9,000). Board members’salaries are not pensionable.

136

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

4. Revenue and Capital Grants Note

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

1,820,000

1,422,750

2,660,949

2,087,530

1,670,000 3,490,000

1,422,750 2,845,500

2,441,641 5,102,590

2,087,530 4,175,060

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

214,855 3,275,145 3,490,000

301,780 2,543,720 2,845,500

314,131 4,788,459 5,102,590

442,787 3,732,273 4,175,060

Grants received in year Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) Department of Agriculture and Rural Developments (DARD) Total

Appropriation of grants received in year Capitalised against fixed assets Released to revenue

DCENR contributed a grant of £150,000 greater than DARD because the Loughs Agency requested these monies from both Departments but only these additional monies from DCENR were received in 2007. This imbalance of monies claimed from each Department will be redressed within the 2008 financial year.

5. Salmon Fishermen Hardship Grants Note

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

1,770,530

2,588,621

Grants received in year Salmon Hardship Packages – Grant in Aid and payments made.

The Salmon fishermen hardship packages payments began in 2007 and related to payment to fishermen who agreed to decommission their nets to the Agency. In the current year £1,770,530 (€2,588,621) has been paid out and £105,754 (€143,519) represents a ring fenced deferred revenue grant received. This is due to be paid to the net holders in 2008. See Note 12. Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

137

6. Ordinary Income 2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

85,151 2,971 88,122

106,307 2,924 109,231

124,496 4,344 128,840

155,979 4,290 160,269

Fines and costs recovered Sundry receipts

5,977 549 6,526

4,059 51 4,110

8,739 803 9,542

5,956 75 6,031

Total

94,648

113,341

138,382

166,300

Normal activities Licence duties Fishery rent and rates

Other activities

138

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

7. Administrative Expenses 2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

Staff training 105,858 Bank charges Postage 10,731 Advertising 75,414 Light and heat 30,393 Telephone 62,339 Operating lease – rent 15,505 Insurance 85,684 Audit 19,000 Accountancy 15,437 Motor vehicle expenses 70,792 Boat stores 12,351 Boat maintenance 94,785 Printing and stationery 52,695 Licence dealers commission 11,590 Maintenance and repairs 42,988 Miscellaneous 144 Travelling and conference expenses 83,085 Hospitality 28,812 Health and safety 39,678 Cleaning 10,508 Computer consumables and maintenance 31,659 Other equipment costs 82,274 Subscriptions 54,083 Surveys 95,960 Legal and professional fees 116,041 Research programme 10,789 Tagging expenses 13,662 Counter site expenses 851 Conservation and protection works 230,391 Marine tourism study Disbursements to vital signs participators 12,141 Angling fairs 73,163 Cost of grant surrendered -

45,021 3,292 8,785 83,038 30,510 39,605 14,152 98,939 18,500 15,464 58,153 15,400 23,752 42,125 7,252 50,556 651 55,337 5,114 23,625 8,982

154,771 15,689 110,260 44,436 91,143 22,669 125,275 27,779 22,570 103,502 18,058 138,581 77,043 16,945 62,850 211 121,475 42,125 58,012 15,363

66,057 4,830 12,890 121,838 44,766 58,110 20,765 145,16 27,241 22,593 85,325 22,596 34,850 61,808 10,640 74,178 955 81,193 7,504 34,664 13,179

72,978 90,431 11,897 14,881 149,337 564 9,124 3,848 385,389 33,977

46,287 120,290 79,072 140,299 169,658 15,774 19,975 1,244 336,849 -

107,077 132,685 17,456 21,834 219,115 828 13,387 5,646 565,463 49,853

37,512 86,648 6,515

17,751 106,969 -

55,039 127,134 9,559

1,551,354

2,322,925

2,276,226

1,588,803

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

139

140

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

1,564,436 70,264

1,635,507 71,843 1,031,420

987,020

346,479

339,035

322,986

78,227

56,465

586,792

245,253

187,409

22,676

22,381

21,465

3,397

18,068

43,846

3,102

40,744

406,180

317,043

393,913

(6,522)

131,703

268,732

710,956

(7,050)

43,094

674,912

3,341

3,223

237

118

119

3,460

€

Total

(69,272)

214,855

(101,280)

314,131

(9,791)

78,685

(56,249)

430,779

(82,239)

629,825

59,429 173,162 3,987,846 5,922,748

45,391 238,746 3,758,899 5,101,202

(351,393)

45,391 238,746 3,758,899 5,452,595

35,196 242,698 2,213,596 3,205,601

(2,523)

17,845

19,874 173,804 1,839,066 2,658,015

80,587 481,444 5,972,495 8,658,196

(9,317) (12,073)

10,601 146,551

79,303 346,966 5,826,912 8,445,345

Total

The Valuation & Lands Agency (VLA) have been commissioned to do a full valuation of the Land & Buildings (incl. Interpretive Centre) held by the Loughs Agency. The VLA confirmed this would happen during 2008 and the Fixed Asset position will reflect this valuation at 31st December 2008 when completed.

At 31/12/2006

NBV as restated 1,564,436 70,264

Currency Translation Adjustment

At 31/12/2007

Net Book Value

8,696

16,049

62,178

605,844

480,841

44,400

302,079

At 31/12/2007

1,579

7,117

(37,413)

80,538

400,303

Adjustment Reclassified Depreciation on disposal

Charge for year

At 1/01/2007

Depreciation

793,253

401,213

2,040

832,045

At 31/12/2007

2,045,277 78,960 1,333,499

401,213

(40,832)

9,467

2,035,810 78,960 1,333,499

Boats & Interpretive Boating Fixtures & Plant & Office Computer Motor Weirs Centre Equipment Fittings Equipment Equipment Equipment Vehicles

Reclassified Disposals

Additions

At 1/01/2007

Cost

Land and buildings Slipway

8 Tangible Fixed Assets

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

9. Debtors and Prepayments

Trade debtors Prepayments Water pollution Bailiffing Other debtors Grants receivable

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

19,060 147,076 9,000 2,609 27,955

6,601 110,805 10,000 9,000 8,079 9,533

25,866 199,595 12,214 3,541 37,938

9,804 164,567 14,852 13,367 11,999 14,158

205,700

154,018

279,154

228,747

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

67,415 239,290 306,705

118,976 161,995 280,971

91,489 324,740 416,229

176,703 240,595 417,298

10. Creditors and Accruals

Trade creditors Accruals

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

141

11. Capital Grants

Gross capital grant

Note

Dom /Dard £

At 1 January Currency translation adjustment Additions 4 Transfer retained reserves Grant surrender Disposals

1,866,393

At 31 December

2,051,299

Local Govt £

EU Funds £

Total

€

908,936 2,563,211

5,338,540

7,915,298 (485,890)

214,855 (29,949)

314,131 (43,787)

908,936 2,563,211

5,523,446

7,699,752

214,855 (29,949)

Grant amortisation At 1 January Amortised in year Eliminated on disposal

475,860 233,437 (16,926)

293,232 36,823

581,602 160,519

1,350,694 430,779 (16,926)

1,992,550 629,825 (23,825)

At 31 December

692,371

330,055

742,121

1,764,547

2,598,550

Unamortised capital grants At 31 December

1,358,928

578,881 1,821,090

3,758,899

5,101,202

At 1 January

1,390,533

615,704 1,981,609

3,987,846

5,922,748

2007 £

2006 €

2007 £

2006 €

430,779

360,591

629,825

529,077

18,422

25,961

26,934

38,091

449,201

386,552

656,759

567,168

Reconciliation of grant income Capital grant amortised in year Revenue grant released in year

142

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

12. Deferred Revenue Grants

At 1 January Currency translation adjustment Additions other Additions salmon fishermen hardship grant

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

18,422 1,876,284

18,857 7,104 -

26,934 2,743,240

27,370 298 10,423 -

1,894,706

25,961

2,770,174

38,091

- (2,588,621)

Released in year salmon fishermen (1,770,530) hardship grant Released in year other (18,422) Currency translation adjustment Deferred Revenue Grant

(25,961) -

(26,934) (11,100)

(38,091) -

105,754

143,519

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

13. Superannuation Scheme

Scheme liability at 1 January Prior Period Adjustment 22 Employers Current Service Cost Interest on pension scheme liability

5,163,251 242,246 262,545

504,638 7,668,460 732,451 4,374,281 - 6,513,725 222,432 354,178 326,363 232,675 383,857 341,392

5,668,042

5,334,026 8,406,495 7,913,931

Loughs Agency Contributions Actuarial gain in STRGL Translation adjustment

(53,556) (407,847) -

(69,828) (100,947) -

(78,302) (102,457) (596,297) (148,114) (665,966) 5,100

Scheme liability at 31 December

5,206,639

5,163,251

7,065,930 7,668,460

The provision relates to the outstanding liability to pensions, deferred pensions and active members for the Foyle Area (Pension) (Amendment) Regulations 1979. The scheme is a defined benefit scheme. Section 9 of the regulations covers retirement on medical grounds. This section states that when a person retires on medical grounds then the length of pensionable service to be used when calculating the lump sum and annual Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

143

pension should be increased as follows: a) b)

If the pensionable service is less than ten years then it should be doubled If it is ten years or more it should be increased to either twenty years or by six years.

The Loughs Agency Superannuation Scheme shows a net liability position on the face of the Balance sheet and is based on the PWC actuarial valuation at 31st December 2007. The Loughs Agency is sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Communication Energy and Natural Resources in the respective Northern and Southern Governments. This relationship means that both Departments will meet pension liabilities as they fall due on a yearly basis and within agreed limits. Pension payments were also made to individuals who retired in previous years and who had their length of service increased by the additional two thirds of a year. The value of these additional payments is not known, but will be small and not material.

PWC Actuarial Review at 31 December 2007 PWC noted the following:a) b) c)

e) f) g)

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The figures relate to the benefits accrued to active and pensioner members of the Loughs Agency. The figures have been calculated in accordance with the specific requirements of FRS 17. The liability and cost calculations were carried out based on data supplied by the Loughs Agency. As the pension scheme is unfunded, no asset figure is included in the FRS 17 figures. The actuarial review assumed that only payments out of the scheme over the year relate to pensions paid to pensioner members and that employee contributions are used to pay some of these benefits with the remaining amount being met by the employer. The assumptions used to calculate the FRS 17 liabilities are summarised below (along with the comparator assumptions as at 31st December 2006). There has been no allowance made for a deferred tax asset in relation to the scheme deficit. The figures below are based on the current version of FRS 17. The Accounting Standards Board (ASB) has recently released an amendment to FRS17. Organisations must comply with this amendment for accounting periods beginning on or after 6 April 2007.

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

Loughs Agency – FRS 17 Figures Assumptions Rate of Salary increase Rate of Pension Increase Discount Rate Rate of Inflation

2007 4.90% 3.10% 5.70% 3.40%

2006 4.60% 2.90% 5% 3.10%

2007 4.90% 3.10% 5.70% 3.40%

2006 4.60% 2.90% 5% 3.10%

Assets of the scheme and expected rate of return £ £ € € Total assets Actuarial liabilities (5,206,639) (5,163,251) (7,065,930)(7,668,460) (Deficit) (5,206,639) (5,163,251) (7,065,930)(7,668,460) Analysis of the amount charged to operating profit Service cost 242,246 222,432 Past Service cost Settlements and Curtailments Total Operating charge 242,246 222,432

354,178 -

326,363 -

354,178

326,363

Analysis of the net return on pension scheme Expected return Interest on pension liabilities (262,545) (262.545)

(232,675) (232,675)

(383,857) (341,392) (383,857) (341,392)

Amount recognised in STRGL Actual return in excess of expected Experience gains and losses Change in actuarial assumptions Actuarial gain in STRGL

2006 £ (4,035) 104,982 100,947

2007 € (121,608) 717,905 596,297

2007 £ (83,176) 491,023 407,847

2006 € (5,921) 154,035 148,114

Movement in deficit during the year (Deficit) at 1 January (5,163,251) (4,878,919) (7,668,460) (7,246,176) Total operating charge (242,246) (222,432) (354,178) (326,363) Company contributions 53,556 69,828 78,302 102,457 Net Return (262,545) (232,675) (383,857) (341,392) Actuarial gain in STRGL 407,847 100,947 596,297 148,114 Translation adjustment 665,966 (5,100) (Deficit) at 31 December (5,206,639) (5,163,251) (7,065,930) (7,668,460) History of experience gains and losses Experience gains and losses on liabilities (83,176) Percentage of scheme liabilities -2% Total amount recognised in STRGL 407,847 Percentage of scheme liabilities 8%

(4,035) 0% 100,947 2%

(121,608) -2% 596,297 8%

(5,921) 0% 148,114 2%

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145

(ii) Current Service Cost; Is the increase in the present value of the scheme liabilities expected to arise from employee service in the current year.

(iii) Interest Cost; The expected increase during the year in the present value of the scheme liabilities because the benefits are one year nearer to settlement.

(iv) Actuarial Gains and Losses; Changes in actuarial deficits or surpluses that arise because events have not coincided with the actuarial assumptions made for the last valuation (experience gains or losses) or the actuarial assumptions have changed. The total pension deficit, after FRS 17 review and as at 31st December 2007, is £5,206,639 / €7,065,930 (2006: £5,163,251 / €7,668,460) representing the sum of the liability at that date. The actuarial gain relates to 8% of these liabilities (See note 13).

14. General Reserve 2007

At 1 January Prior Period Adjustment – FRS 17 Actuarial Gain Transfer to capital grant (Deficit) for year Exchange difference At 31 December

22 13

As restated 2006 £

2007 As restated 2006 € €

(4,940,760) -

453,856 (4,374,281)

(7,338,017) 658,744 - (6,513,725)

407,847 (465,985) -

100,947 (145,960) (975,322) -

596,297 148,114 (216,780) (681,298) (1,429,800) 639,014 15,430

(4,998,898)

(4,940,760) (6,784,004) (7,338,017)

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

Pension Reserve I&E Reserve excluding pension reserve

(5,206,639) 207,741

(5,163,251) 222,491

Total

(4,998,898)

(4,940,760) (6,784,004) (7,338,017)

Balance Represented by

146

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

(7,065,930) (7,668,460) 281,926 330,443

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

15. Commitments Capital Commitments 2007 £

2006 £ -

2007 €

2006 € -

750,000

1,017,825

Contracted for Authorised by Loughs Agency but not yet contracted for

The capital commitment authorised by the Loughs Agency but yet contracted for as at 31st December 2007 relates to a survey vessel which is planned to be EU funded through FIFG.

Other Commitments There were no other commitments other than operating leases see note 17

16. Contingent Liabilities There were no contingent liabilities as at 31st December 2007.

17.

Post Balance Sheet Events

There were no significant events that took place after the balance sheet date. The financial statements were authorised for issue on 5th November 2009 by the Accounting Officer Derick Anderson.

18. Operating Lease At 31 December 2007 the Agency had an annual commitment under a 5 year short term business letting agreement (signed 15/11/07) for the 1st and 2nd floors of the Darcy Magee Centre, Dundalk Street, Carlingford of Stg £ 11,285 / €16,500 per year, (2006: £4,512 / €6,599). In addition a new storage unit has been rented in Carlingford, and is renewed annually on 1st July each year, at £9,931 / €14,520 per annum. Expiry

2007 £

2006 £

2007 €

2006 €

< 1 year

9,931

10,029

14,520

14,667

2 – 5 years

11,285

4,512

16,500

6,599

> 5 years

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

147

19. Related Party Transactions The Foyle, Carlingford and Irish Lights Commission (Loughs Agency) is a North/ South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Northern Ireland, and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in the Republic of Ireland. The above named departments are regarded as related parties. During the period Loughs Agency has had various transactions with these departments. None of the members of key management staff or other related parties has undertaken any material transactions with the Loughs Agency during the period.

20. Financial Instruments a) Financial instruments Due to the non - trading nature of its activities, and the way in which the Loughs Agency is financed, it is not exposed to the degree of financial risk faced by business entities. The Loughs Agency has very limited powers to borrow or invest surplus funds and financial assets and liabilities are generated by day - to - day operational activities and are not held to change the risks facing the Agency in undertaking its activities. The Agency’s financial instruments mainly consist of cash, trade debtors and trade creditors. b) Liquidity, Interest Rate and Foreign Currency Risk The Agency’s net revenue resource requirements are financed by resources voted annually by Parliament and the Oireachtas, as largely is its capital expenditure. It is not therefore exposed to significant liquidity risks. The Agency does not access funds from commercial sources and so is not exposed to significant interest rate risk. The Agency’s transactions are effected in the currencies of each part of Ireland, with realised gains and losses being taken to the Income and Expenditure account. The Agency’s exposure to foreign currency risk is not significant as it receives agreed levels of funding from its sponsoring departments, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, in sterling and euro respectively and does not engage in trading activities. However as the Agency receives one half of its funding from Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in Euro, yet discharges the majority of its transactions in sterling, it is exposed to foreign currency risk to a limited degree.

148

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

21. Losses and Special Payments The only losses during the year of a material value related to a stolen outboard engine in May 2007 with an approx. value of £1,300 (€ 1,901) and the replacement of an engine in a Mazda van that had fallen outside the servicing schedule at a cost of £3,556 (€5,199). There were no special payments during the year.

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149

22. Prior year Adjustment 2006 £ 453,856

Income and expenditure reserve as previously stated

2006 € 658,744

Total prior year adjustement relating to pre January 2006 Actuarial deficit at January 2006 4,878,919 Superannuation provided

504,638

Income and expenditure reserve as restated at 1st January 2006

7,246,176 (4,374,281)

732,451 (6,513,725)

(3,920,425)

(5,854,981)

(3,920,425) (740,709)

(5,854,981) (1,085,564)

Income and expenditure reserve as restated at 31st December 2006 Adjustment to income and expenditure account as at 1st January 2006 (Deficit) as previously reported Adjustment to income and expenditure account for the year ended 31st December 2006 Increase in pension charge (1,938) Interest on pension liabilities (232,675) Adjustment to statement of total recognised gains and losses 100,947 Transfer to capital grant Exchange rate variation Income and expenditure reserve as restated at 31st December 2006 Total prior year adjustment Pre January 2006 Year ended 31st December 2006

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Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

(2,844) (341,392)

(133,666) (145,960)

148,114

(4,940,760)

(196,122) (216,780) 15,430 (7,338,017)

(4,374,281) 133,666)

(6,513,725) (196,122)

(4,507,947)

(6,709,847)

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts

2007

ACCOUNT DIRECTION GIVEN BY THE NORTHERN DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, THE SOUTHERN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS, MARINE AND NATURAL RESOURCES WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE DEPARTMENTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NORTH/SOUTH CO-OPERATION (IMPLEMENTATION BODIES) (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1999 AND THE SOUTHERN BRITISH-IRISH AGREEMENT ACT 1999. The annual accounts shall give a true and fair view of the income and expenditure and cash flows for the financial year, and the state of affairs as at the year end. Subject to this requirement, the Loughs Agency shall prepare for the financial period ended 31 December 2000 and subsequent years in accordance with: a)

The North/South Implementation Bodies Annual reports and Accounts Guidance;

Other guidance which Finance Departments may issue from time to time in respect of accounts which are required to give a true and fair view;

Any other specific disclosures required by sponsoring departments

Except where agreed otherwise with finance departments, in which case the exception shall be described in the notes to the accounts.

Signed by authority of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Natural

Signed by authority of the Department of Communications, Marine and Resources

Gerald Lavery

Maurice Mullen

Date 3rd August 2001

Date 6th September 2001

Loughs Agency Annual Report and Accounts 2007

151

ISBN 978-0-9567910-0-9

Headquaters 2 Victoria Road, Londonderry BT47 2AB, Northern Ireland Tel: +44 (0) 28 71 342100 Fax: +44 (0) 28 71 342720 email: general@loughs-agency.org Dundalk Street, Carlingford, Co Louth, Rep. of Ireland Tel: +353 (0)42 938 3888 Fax: +353 (0)42 938 3888 email: carlingford@loughs-agency.org www.loughs-agency.org DARD Media Services 10.11.064