Fisheries Protection
One of the core functions of the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board is to protect and conserve fish and fisheries habitat within the Eastern Region which extends from the full length of the east coast from Carlingford Lough in County Louth to Killen Point just east of Bannow Bay, Co. Wexford and from river base lines up to 12 miles out to sea. The inland extent of of the region follows the river catchments to places such as Emyvale and Scotstown Co. Monaghan, Virginia and Bailieboro in Co. Cavan and Tyrrellspass Co. Westmeath.
The following tasks are performed by ERFB staff as part of their daily duties:
- Enforcing primary Fisheries Legislation including Bye Laws and Orders.
- Protecting fish species including Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout, Eels, Coarse Fish and Sea Bass.
- Seizure of illegal fishing equipment, prosecution of offenders and court duties.
- Enforcing the Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging (Quota) Scheme Regulations, for both commercial and recreational fisheries (amended annually according to district quota allocation). This also entails inspection of commercial salmon outlets, hotels and restaurants etc.
- Enforcement of pike angling and commercial eel regulations.
- Participation in cross-functional duties which include assisting ERFB / CFB research and Marine Institute development sections as required.
- Monitoring and investigation of potential sources of pollution including farm surveys, sampling and assessment of proposed development/infrastructural projects for any potential impact upon the fisheries resource. This entails close involvement with the Board’s Fisheries Environmental Officers (FEO's).
- Mobile and Foot Patrols of rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal waters.
- Coastal protection duties are carried out using the Regional Fisheries Boards Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIB's)
- In conjunction with staff from the other Fisheries Boards, ERFB staff participate in Large Patrol Vessel (LPV) and Naval fishery protection patrols.
- Staff participate in aerial surveillance of fisheries activity and terrestrial surveys in conjunction with the Air Corps.