South West RIFF Vacancies to be filled

The renewal for the Inshore Forums is under way.  The South West RIFF has considered the fishing profile of the area and agreed to start the renewal process. Vacancies have arisen in the following areas:

East Cork – Youghal to the East side of Cork Harbour

Mid Cork – West of Cork Harbour to The Old Head of Kinsale

South West Cork – Toe Head to Sheep’s Head

North Kerry – Tarbert to Brandon

Kenmare Bay – Dursey to Castlecove

Using the Fleet register of 14 May 2021 all vessel owners in the respective regions have been written to detailing the area in which a replacement is required.  Applications are invited from people who are interested in representing their area and the fishers in it.  Applications must be made on the formal application form and returned to the RIFF secretariat before the date specified on the letter (1st July 2021).

Once the applications are received, the RIFF secretariat will write to all registered vessel owners to inform them of standing for election and how they propose to communicate the work of the SW RIFF with fishers.  A voting form will also be provided to allow them to indicate their preferred candidate. In order to be successful a candidate must have 66% or majority of the fleet register vote in their region.

For those who are interested in representing the fishers in their area they will need to demonstrate the following:

  • their ability to represent the views of the inshore sector,
  • their knowledge of inshore fisheries, fish stocks, and fishing methods,
  • their knowledge of relevant environmental legislation and
  • their capacity to engage on fisheries and environmental management issues.

In appointing fisheries RIFF members, each RIFF must strive to make the membership representative of the RIFF’s region’s geographical coverage and the characteristics of the region’s inshore fleet and fisheries.

If you would like to apply for one of the above positions or require more information, please email SWRIFF@inshoreforums.ie  or ring Brenda O’Riordan  on 087-3512327.