It’s that time of the year again, where we look back over the Season Past and look forward to another year on the “Bounding Main”. It was a season that did most of us few favours on the weather front, in the latter half of the year especially. Here’s hoping we have a calm and sunny season coming, with ample bookings, and sufficiently big catches every day this coming year !
Much of the work of the ICSA was done this last year through members working on behalf of the ICSA on the various Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums (RIFFS). ICSA members were asked to join the RIFF on the basis of their membership of an association representing the Charter Skippers of Ireland, and from there, some were asked to join the Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), which oversees the disbursement of EMFF funding, to those who apply for it. These are vital areas to have first hand representation for Skippers .
Among the important issues addressed, objections were lodged to efforts to seek a commercial take of Bass, a case was put forward for a scientific Blue Fin Tuna catch and release quota for Charter Boats, and we were part of the consensus to try to reserve inshore waters (within 6 miles of the coast) for sub 12 meters small craft, to the exclusion of the Big Boats.
Members are strongly encouraged to renew their membership for this coming year. The fee is small, and it is important to be part of a National Organisation capable of representing our interests on the National Stage, especially as we are now subject the Common Fisheries Policy.
The best of luck to you all, and best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2018!
Donal Kennedy
Chairman
The Irish Charter Skippers Association
Much of the work of the ICSA was done this last year through members working on behalf of the ICSA on the various Regional Inshore Fisheries Forums (RIFFS). ICSA members were asked to join the RIFF on the basis of their membership of an association representing the Charter Skippers of Ireland, and from there, some were asked to join the Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), which oversees the disbursement of EMFF funding, to those who apply for it. These are vital areas to have first hand representation for Skippers .
Among the important issues addressed, objections were lodged to efforts to seek a commercial take of Bass, a case was put forward for a scientific Blue Fin Tuna catch and release quota for Charter Boats, and we were part of the consensus to try to reserve inshore waters (within 6 miles of the coast) for sub 12 meters small craft, to the exclusion of the Big Boats.
Members are strongly encouraged to renew their membership for this coming year. The fee is small, and it is important to be part of a National Organisation capable of representing our interests on the National Stage, especially as we are now subject the Common Fisheries Policy.
The best of luck to you all, and best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year in 2018!
Donal Kennedy
Chairman
The Irish Charter Skippers Association