Fisheries (Consolidation) Act, 1959

Provisions in relation to unused fisheries.

211.—The following provisions shall have effect in relation to any unused fishery:—

(a) in case such fishery is a weir (tidal waters) fishery or a weir (fresh water) fishery—

(i) the Minister may demolish the weir forming part of such fishery, and thereafter shall not be liable for any effects due to changes in the flow or level of the water to whomsoever caused, save only that any obstruction to the migration of fish which may be caused by the demolition of such weir shall be remedied by him,

(ii) if the weir is not demolished the Minister shall remain liable for its maintenance in such condition that it does not obstruct the migration of fish or cause any damage or loss of water beyond what was normal while it was being used for the purposes of the fishery;

(b) in case such fishery is a mill-dam fishery—

(i) the Minister may demolish or remove any structures incidental to the use of the fishery, but in doing so he shall leave the mill-dam in such a condition that the water supply to the mill shall not be prejudiced and the cost of the maintenance of the mill-dam shall not be increased.

(ii) if the structures incidental to the use of the fishery are not demolished the Minister shall remain liable for their maintenance in such condition that they do not obstruct the migration of fish or cause any damage or loss of water beyond what was normal while they were being used for the purposes of the fishery;

(c) in case such fishery is a fixed engine (tidal waters) fishery, the Minister shall remove all stakes or other structures which may constitute a danger to navigation or to the use of lawful nets under common law rights.