Representation on Fishery District Committees

Inland Fisheries Ireland is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified individuals to become or continue to be members of Fishery District Committees in the following Fishery Districts where commercial fisheries exist:

• Lismore; 
• Cork; 
• Kerry (SWRBD); 
• Ballinakill (WRBD Galway); 
• Bangor (WRBD Ballina);
• Letterkenny (NWRBD).

The individuals shall be representative of one of the following groups / sectors:

1. Commercial salmon fishermen (draft net or snap net where appropriate).
2. Rated Occupiers of fisheries.
3. Salmon Rod representatives. 

Any suitably qualifying individual wishing to be considered for representation on these committees should apply to Inland Fisheries Ireland using the link below and stating the Fishery District in which they wish to be considered for inclusion on the committee and the category to which they belong (1 – 3 above).

The primary purpose of a Fishery District Committee is to recommend the allocation of the available salmon surplus as identified by the Technical Expert Group on Salmon between the commercial and recreational sectors for those fisheries which have a surplus.

1. There will be one meeting per year (March/April).
2. Expenses will not be paid.
3. Applicants will be assessed for suitability based on the application received and may or may not be selected to serve on the committee. It is anticipated that this call for expressions of interest will be for the 5-year period 2024 - 2028. 
4. Applications must be made online to: FDC2024@fisheriesireland.ie

Applications may be made between 9am on Friday 16th February and 5pm on Friday 8th March 2024 

Frequently Asked Questions – Fishery District Committee

• What is involved acting as a member of a Fishery District Committee? 

The fishery district committee meeting during the angling and commercial seasons to discuss and advise the CEO or designated person, in this case the RBD Director, on the split of the total allowable catch quota for salmon on rivers in the RBD between the rod and line and commercial sectors. 

• What is expected of the members? 

Each member is expected to represent and communicate decisions to their stakeholder group. Each member has an opportunity to contribute to decisions made; the ultimate end decision rests with the Director, as nominated by the CEO.  

• How many meetings are held and where? 

There is one meeting each year in each relevant RBD. The meetings are generally held in the Inland Fisheries Ireland offices, however elected members will be advised of the location by way of invitation. 

• Are travel expenses paid for these meetings?

No. The representation of any member is voluntary and at their own cost. 

• How many members are there on the committee?

In accordance with the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations SI No.585, 2018, S.9 (3), a fishery district committee shall consist of: 

1. such persons as the CEO considers appropriate and who are representative of commercial fishermen, salmon rod anglers and rated occupiers in the fishery district of the committee and who in total number not more than 8, 

and

2. a representative of An Bord Iascaigh Mhara nominated by it.

• What are the season dates for commercial and rod and line sectors for 2024?

Commercial draft nets: 12th May until 31st July  

Rod and Line: 1st January until 30th September (the season open date is river specific and varies from district to district)