by hottopic » Sun Oct 23, 2011 1:16 pm
"Inland Fisheries Ireland is charged with ensuring the protection and conservation of our fisheries resource, both the fish and their habitats. IFI's area of responsibility covers both inland waterways and out to the twelve mile limit off the coast.The species protected include all freshwater fish, sea bass and certain molluscs.
As well as enforcing provisions of the Fisheries Acts, IFI is empowered to enforce the Water Pollution Acts 1977 & 1990, and at fisheries sensitive locations where industrial, local authority and agricultural discharges have resulted in a serious deterioration in water quality, including fish kills, successful prosecutions have been taken."
Inland Fisheries Irelands national 24 Hour Confidential Phone Line begins operation tomorrow, December 1st, 2010. The all important number is 1890 34 74 24 or for easier recall 1890 FISH 24. This phone line is designed to encourage the reporting of incidences of illegal fishing, water pollution and invasive species.
Inland Fisheries Ireland staff will investigate the reports and process as appropriate.
From December 1st, the public can call IFI any time they witness illegal fishing or discover a water pollution event. Receiving timely information is critical to apprehending those responsible for damaging fish stocks or fish habitat.
The public’s help is also being sought to prevent the spread of invasive species, which can cause millions of euros of damage to the aquatic environment.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, launched the phone line saying ‘ this initiative is vital to our intelligence led protection programme . Our aim is to stamp out the antisocial practice of illegal fishing and to protect the fish and fisheries habitat. With the public’s help, Inland Fisheries Ireland can improve on its successful record of apprehension and prosecution of those involved in illegal fishing and destruction of our inland fisheries resource. I urge all those with an interest in preserving this wonderful natural resource to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 1890 34 74 24’