Ms Olive Loughnane:

In terms of the relationship with the consultative committee, we have described it as one where there is a healthy friction but that is not to say that we do not work collaboratively, where possible. We are the regulator so there is an onus on us to regulate and implement the laws of these Houses. We have co-operated on the development of a code of conduct for vessel owners. I have actively engaged with the committee on the development of key performance indicators and there is some really good expertise on the committee. We have worked with the committee to provide extensive information on Brexit, and that predates my time to a large extent.

It is important to state that consultation happens in many forms. While the committee is one vehicle for consultation, section 48 of the Act states that we can work with the consultative committee or by other means. It is important to acknowledge the role played by people right across the organisation, including sea fisheries protection officers who engage with fishermen on piers and those who do things like canvassing the opinions and expertise of industry members on the development of new technology. We value this input as it allows us to be more effective and efficient in terms of carrying out our mandate, and ultimately securing the sustainability of the industry for future generations.