PRESS RELEASE

TRANSFER OF FISHERIES CONSERVANCY BOARD FUNCTIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE, ARTS AND LEISURE

As part of the Review of Public Administration (RPA), the Fisheries Conservancy Board (FCB) will be abolished and its functions, staff and assets will transfer to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL).

The FCB was established in 1966 with responsibility of the conservation and protection of the salmon and inland fisheries of Northern Ireland (other than those which fall within the responsibility of the Loughs Agency).  The functions of the FCB included the issuing of fishing licences, enforcement of fishing regulations and byelaws and assisting in the investigation of pollution incidents which involve fish kills.

All of the above functions (and associated FCB staff) have transfered to DCAL from the 1st June 2009.

Abolition of the FCB is consistent with the RPA aim of reducing the number of Public Bodies and creates opportunities to streamline decision making and the regulatory process. The transfer of FCB functions will mean that policy responsibility and enforcement personnel will now be under the one management system resulting in a more integrated and strategic conservation and protection service.

Please follow this link to DCAL website or telephone +44 (0)28 3833 4666

www.fcbni.com 2009