SEASCAPES NEWS BRIEFING

. The Minister for Natural Resources, Conor Lenihan, has published the Bill restructuring the inland fisheries, replacing the present Central Fisheries Board and the seven Regional Fisheries Boards with the new Inland Fisheries Authority. Dr. Ciaran Byrne, Chief Executive of the existing Central Fisheries Board is the designated CEO. But anglers are not happy with the proposals, according to David Dinsmore, Editor of the Irish Angler magazine.

CLICK on this link to hear David Dinsmore.

. A new club is being formed in the South-East for those interested in power boating. GoPowerboating will cover all aspects of this sport, including cruising, racing, diving, wakeboarding and fishing.

. The Wicklow-based, Island Shipping Company, has called for a public inquiry into the operations of Arklow Harbour Commissioners. The company says that after a two-year legal dispute with the Commissioners it has secured the repayment of what it claimed to be excessive harbour dues which the company charged.

. A unique collection of eight scale models of boats that were designed for and sailed in Dublin Bay has been presented to the National Yacht Club in Dun Laogahire. They were built by a Past Commodore of the club, William Maguire, over a fifteen-year period, based on the original design drawings. Club Manager, Padraic Conneely, says they are a maritime treasure, including 17, 21, 24 and 25-foot One Designs, a Glen, Colleen, Mermaid and a Water Wag. They were presented to the club by the late Mr. Maguire's widow, Ailbhe and are housed in specially-built cabinets in the club.

. Howth Yacht Club has been awarded the holding of the J/24 European Championships in 2011, another big international sailing event for Irish waters.