7.0 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Introduction
To determine the level of implementation of policies arising from the Pike Policy Review Process we would suggest that a suite of appropriate Performance Indicators be established to gauge success. Below we have outlined a number of performance indicators, which focus on specific achievables, which we consider to be key in assessing the impact of change in relation to the treatment of pike within the Irish context. These performance indicators are by no means exhaustive and we would welcome the opportunity to develop a series of more specific performance indicators which will relate to particular aspects of policy and implementation and which can only be considered when the full recommendations of the review have been published.

7.1 Rationale for Performance Indicator No. 1.
To achieve real change in the manner in which reviewed pike policies are in place, reference should be made on a fishery board by fishery board basis to assess the level of application of new policies. The following performance indicators could be applied:-

P.I. No. 1.
In the 6/8/12 month period since launch of new protocols what proportion of fisheries boards have implemented the policies?

7.2 Rationale for Performance Indicator No. 2.
To establish the level of consultation between the regional and central fisheries boards and national pike angling interests, a programme of regular planned consultations should be put in place. We would estimate that in the initial stages these consultations should be held at a minimum on a bi-annual basis. The first consultation should be in the preliminary stages of establishment of the key objectives for each fisheries board in relation to the pike angling resource. The second consultation would be to assess the success of achieving the targets set out in the annual service plan.

P.I. No. 2.
Percentage of planned consultations between pike angling organisations and fisheries boards, which have been achieved in the first year and subsequent years following review implementation. (This could also be viewed in the form of percentage of new partnerships initiated during the year where partnerships concern contacts and joint collaboration between fisheries boards and local angling clubs).

7.3 Rationale for Performance Indicator No. 3.
To gauge the effectiveness of measures taken to increase the stocks of pike within waters, a regular scientific study process will be required. We would recommend that adequate resources be targeted to address the need for increased levels of research and to continue and further develop research projects currently in place particularly in relation to pike movement following transfer and to incidences of pike disease.

P.I. No. 3.
Percentage of research budget directly targeted for pike related studies within each regional fisheries board or the Central Fisheries Board.

7.4 Rationale for Performance Indicator No. 4.
Economic studies carried out in the past in relation to both domestic and tourist anglers underline the significant input to both national and local economies arising from pike angling. (This is highlighted at an earlier part of this submission). We believe that pike policies which give greater value to pike as a species and to pike angling in particular will achieve significant increases in revenue to the Irish economy.

P.I. No. 4.
In consultation with other relevant bodies such as tourist interests, ESRI, Marine Institute and the University sector where appropriate, formal surveys should seek to quantify the level of tourist and domestic angler spend per pike angling day. Baseline studies should be established immediately so as to provide a basis for measurement of improvements achieved following implementation of any new pike policies.

7.5 Rationale for Performance Indicator No. 5.
Anecdotal evidence presented by many angling clubs have suggested that non-adherence to existing pike by-laws is prevalent among clients from outside the state who utilise cruiser fleets on the Shannon system. In order to highlight the provisions of pike by-laws a programme of raised awareness for cruiser companies and their clients is desirable. This should be considered in conjunction with steps to increase the level of cruiser surveillance and inspection where staff resources allow.

P.I. No. 5.
To measure the number of contacts between fisheries board personnel and cruiser providers on an annual basis and to plan for increased contacts over a three-year basis.

Percentage of cruiser fleet inspected per month particularly during the prime holiday season so as to assess compliance with by-laws.

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