MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Falklands licence refund policy is accepted

The Falkland Islands Legislative Council Fisheries Committee met in Stanley to consider the Illex squid licence refund and heard a brief preliminary report from some participants in the recent aquaculture fact-finding trip to Ireland and Scotland.

Members said there is an interesting market for Mussels, which is expanding.

The Falklands Attorney General said that he'd identified a draftsman to draw up the principle legislation before the various regulations are drawn up.

Director of Fisheries, John Barton, indicated that most of the refunds for Illex licences had been paid but they were still endeavouring to collect money due.

It was noted that most companies were content with the refund policy that was agreed and the general feeling was that it had been pretty fair this time. The Committee is also waiting for a response from the Foreign Office on part of a fisheries policy.

The Attorney General said that a bill on the issue of duration of rights had been read but nothing could be done until the FCO responded and identified possible amendments.

The 2004 Illex season has been the worst ever in the South Atlantic both in Falklands and Argentine waters, forcing licence refunds from the local government.

Source: FIBS