MAFA MEETING  3/10/06

Present:  Bob Lawson –chair

                Nick Turnbull-Sec.

                Douglas Wilson

                Andy Durie

                Jeff Kidd

Marine Park

The committee expressed their complete dismay at the Scot. Exec. consultation process to date.  The “satellite information car” in Tobermory car park had not been adequately advertised and due to the rally taking place at the same time was more or less ineffective.  The  Scot Exec.have admitted the inadequacy and are proposing to come again beginning of November date yet to be confirmed. 

CMNP Consultation Paper.

The committee worked through the paper making draft responses to “functions, powers and governance” of a possible CMNP.  Attention was also given to the financial aspects of a CMNP and the possible consequences to members of our association.

The Secretary noted all the responses and will set these down on a separate paper in draft form for the committee to adjust before sending to the Scot. Exec. and releasing the final response to all members of the association and other interested parties.

Lobbying MSP’s at Scottish Parliament

Four reps from MAFA will attend a pre parliament debate on CMNP’s .  They will join others from Mallaig and Arisaig in lobbying as many MSP’s as possible and trying to put over the concerns of the working marine users in the favoured area of the CMNP.  It is hoped that the 4 members will be able to attend the debate in parliament in the afternoon.

The reps. are D. Wilson, N. Turnbull, R. Lawson, F. Cameron(panfish)  It was agreed that MAFA should release a press statement after this meeting.

Secretary/Administrator

Due to the increasing workload it was agreed to employ a paid sec./admin person.  All agreed the importance of being able to keep the information flow up to date for its members and for the present secretary to be able to communicate the business of the committee and members to a computer literate, intelligent person able to work under their own initiative alongside chairman and secretary.  A sum of £10- £12 per hour + expenses was thought reasonable for such a responsible position.    Secretary  to come up with suitable suggestions for such a person.

MICT/Community Council Conference on CMNP

It was decided to support this conference financially and the suggestion was to offer the hire of the Hall or the equivalent.(say£50-£75) Names of MAFA speakers have been put forward and include Iain MacKinnon(Arisaig) Ian Mitchell(Islay) Kirsty MacLeod(Inverness)

Boat Owners/Fish Farm owners levy

The secretary indicated that there was £507 in the bank and that there would be expenses entailed in visits to parliament and now a part-time secretary, a more serious approach to finances was required.  The AGM of MAFA would be in December and it was suggested that next year boat owners and companies should be asked for a subscription.  A suggested figure of £50-£100 per boat owner and a flexible figure from companies and fish farms depending on size from £50 upwards to £200.  In the meantime the committee will try and keep within the budget of present bank balance.  It was emphasised the importance of MAFA particularly with the many changes in the marine environment that are taking place not least the introduction of IFG’s(inshore fisheries groups) that are being set up by the Scot. Exec.and the many regulating orders affecting fishing and aquaculture.