The Sea Fisheries Act 1952 establish Bord Iascaigh Mhara. The Act grants powers to the Minister to make regulations for the landing sale, storage, handling and transport of sea fish.
Contravention of the 1952 Act or any regulations under it is an offence which may be prosecuted summarily in the District Court.
Bord Iascaigh Mhara is established. It has wide powers in the context of the fishing industry. It may
- acquire, hire charter sea fishing boats and their equipment.
- purchase, store and sell fuel for boats.
- smoke, sell can and otherwise secure or preserve f
- may engage in the business of wholesale or retail dealers in fish, fishmongers and fish curers and business of salt dealers and coopers
- carry on or engage in sea fishing,
- repair sea fishing boats and machinery
- undertake exploratory and experimental work with a view to the provision of new and improved types of sea fishing engines and equipment
- develop and improve the sea fishing industry by introduction of improved methods and conditions of catching, grading, curing, packing, transporting and marketing of fish
- may develop new markets for fresh, cured and preserved fish
- may develop and further cooperative dealing in the collection, transportation, distribution and sale of fish and fish products
- publish periodicals, pamphlets, literature etc.
- loan monies by way of capital to sea fishermen on satisfactory security
- promote and encourage insurance by sea fishermen,
- take necessary steps to indemnify loss by reason of accidents or malicious happenings
- generally, engage in any business or transaction, promote or facilitate anything which seems to the Board could use for the development of the sea fishing industry or the interest or convenience of sea fisherman.
The Board is to prepare accounts and present them to the Minister annually. It financed by grants from the Oireachtas made with the consent of the Minister for Finance. Repayable advances may be made from the central fund which bear interest. The Board has power to borrow.