Do you get frustrated by over-regulation?

The Cefas Fish Health Inspectorate has traditionally worked with the trade to ensure high standards of fish and shellfish health and welfare.

To this end it strongly supports Defra's aim, where possible, to simplify fish health regulations in order to reduce burdens on the industry, without undermining regulatory effectiveness. In recent years there have been significant advances in co-operation and collaboration between the inspectorate and the various branches of the trade which have served to improve animal health and welfare whilst providing an opportunity for stakeholders to be more involved in how their industry is regulated. For example, stakeholders were involved in formulating the Cefas enforcement strategy. Their suggestions were also incorporated into the risk-assessment procedures which govern our inspection regime. Angling representative groups suggested, and indeed helped subsidise areas of research by our scientists into specific fish diseases, so the advantages of direct consultation and involvement by those most involved in the trade is clear to see.

If you have any suggestions on how regulations might be simplified you are invited to visit www.betterregulation.gov.uk for guidance on how you can submit to Defra your proposals for change.'