MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falkland Census.

The 2001 Falkland Islands Census will be on Sunday the 8th April, the Registrar general, John Rowland announced on Monday. This is a compulsory form to be filled in by everyone in the islands. The reason for the census is said to be to ?assist the Government in planning for the long term'. And ?to enable them to give priority to aspects of development in the islands. They say they can ?better inform residents about the environment and circumstances'. The forms will cover details such as the type of housing you live in, your household appliances and motor vehicles. Part two asks personal questions including age and marital status, occupation and any qualifications you may hold. They will also ask people's whereabouts on census night. The forms will be delivered prior to the the 8th of April and parts of the West and East will have their forms delivered by FIGAS or landrover.

Consultation on aquaculture

Consultation on regulations for aquaculture has been discussed at executive council and at the Fisheries Committee last Friday. It was suggested that at present, there are no legislative powers in place to guard against pollution and disease. An example of this would be preventing fish farms near loligo beds as this could have a serious impact on breeding. It is wished to take specialist advice for best practice rather than create legislation on an adhoc basis. The recommendation was to get advice from many parts of the world to set ground rules for control and facilitation.

Ben Fogle from Castaways

Ben Fogle from the UK TV hit series "Castaways" is currently in the islands. He arrived on Friday and visited Goose Green and then on Saturday flew to Port Howard Lodge. Ben said that the Falklands reminded him of Taransay, the Scottish Island where Castaways was filmed, and that he felt nostalgic looking at the views in the islander. On Sunday he flew to Carcass Island and today was visiting Weddel Island. Ben is on the islands with a freelance photographer working for the Hello magazine; they're hoping to take enough photos for a ten page spread.

Boatmasters License

New rules for small commercial craft of under 24 metres are going to be put to executive council