To report developments with the abolition of SFC in Wales

1.1 A draft staff structure for the Welsh fisheries management and marine enforcement regime has been proposed by WAG (Annex A). The proposed structure retains the existing SFC staff structures in both North Wales and South Wales.

1.2 The North Wales section of the structure proposal assumes transfer of the Master, Engineer and Crew of ‘Aegis’ to WAG. However, no proposals on the future of the vessel have been discussed as yet. The NWSFC will wish to retain a continued interest in ‘Aegis’ to deliver fisheries enforcement in the NW England District.

1.3 The draft structure proposes 2 Scientific Officer posts (2 x SO) which may be assumed to represent the grant aided Biodiversity and Traeth Lafan Officers on fixed term contracts.

1.4 Two new posts are proposed for which the NWNWSFC does not have jobs in Wales. These are the full time scientific post (1 x HSO) and the Administrative Officer post (1 x Admin).

2.1 It is now necessary for the Committee to start consideration of the future of its assets in Wales which are considerable. Assets include vehicles, zodiac vessels, quad bikes, trailers, computers and office materials, field equipment and clothing. Most items are valued at less than £5000 so they do not appear in the accounts or on a list of assets.

2.2 The only asset used only in Wales with a value greater than £5000 is 1 Land Rover vehicle. WAG has indicated a wish to acquire the vehicle from the Committee but no formal proposal has been received.

2.3 ‘Aegis’ is the largest single asset held by the Committee with an insurance value of £250,000. ‘Aegis’ is based in Wales but operates across the District. The future use and ownership of ‘Aegis’ is now under consideration by WAG. The chosen option must take account of ongoing requirements for ‘Aegis’ to patrol in both NW English and Welsh waters. WAG is preparing the costs and benefits of 3 options but they are not yet complete and further information may be tabled at the meeting. In summary the options are:

2.4 Once the options have been further developed a meeting of council members of the NWNWSFC will be called to consider and agree the future of Committee assets.

3.1 WAG has had an initial meeting with NWNWSFC staff in Wales to introduce their job evaluation and grading scheme (JEGS) All staff transferring to Wales will have to complete a form to provide a detailed analysis of their job so that WAG can identify the right grade on which they should be placed in Wales.

3.2 This process is expected to lead to job offers for Welsh staff by November at the earliest.

4.1 A consultation on models for stakeholder input to the Welsh FMMER was published in July and is attached at Annex B.

4.2 Four options are presented. All are structures of voluntary stakeholder committees. There are no proposals that any of the groups would have formal membership, constitution or an appointment process which would be compliant with Nolan principles.

4.3 None of the proposed groups would have statutory powers or duties such as powers to make and enforce byelaws. There appears to be no reason why the structures could not be changed or abolished on the basis of short term political expediency by any new Minister coming into post. In these respects, the options all have much less authority than existing Sea Fisheries Committees. The options do not meet the Minister’s commitment to ensure a level of stakeholder involvement which would be at least as good as that of SFC.