14 fishing boats detained over suspected breaches

FOURTEEN Irish and EU-registered fishing boats were detained by marine inspectors in the first three months of the year for suspected breaches of fishing regulations.

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority said there were also some 28 cases of alleged illegal landing of fish off Irish shores.

However, a solicitor who acts for fishermen working off the south coast, described the authority’s statement as “pre-emptory”.

Rory Conway, who, along with solicitor Dermot Conway, has built an expertise in marine law, said: “We represent the majority of those accused of alleged infringements and I cannot understand why this has been put in the public domain. If they have issued so many cautions, so be it, but their statement is quite incomprehensible.”

The authority conducted inspections in co-operation with the Irish Naval Service and detained the 14 ships at various locations in Wexford, Cork, Waterford and Dublin. Another 14 vessels were issued with warnings.

Authority chairman Peter Whelan said the seafood industry makes a vital contribution to the economy, and stock conservation and monitoring were essential for a thriving sector.

“It is unfortunate that this valuable and declining natural resource continues to be abused by a minority of fishermen. Overall, the work of the authority supports the livelihood of law-abiding fishermen and ensures rogue operators do not undermine their future existence.”

In one case, a boat was detained at Ringaskiddy in Co Cork on suspicion of illegally fishing herring. The master was cautioned and later charged by gardaí.

Written warnings were also issued to vessels off the south-west coast for alleged infringements, such as no fishing licences and vessel registration documents, and failure to comply with regulations to prevent the accidental catching of dolphins.

Mr Conway added: “Of course it is not right that fishing stock be depleted in a criminal fashion. Nobody can justify that but, as far as this statement is concerned, I cannot see the purpose of it.”