Authorities seize €30k worth of 'illegal' fish

Fishing authorities seized €30,000 worth of fish in Cork Port, it emerged today.

A joint operation between the Navy and the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) yesterday detained Irish-registered ’Ronan Ross’ at Ringaskiddy.

“The vessel was detained on suspicion of illegally fishing herring within 12 nautical miles of the ocean bed,” a SFPA spokeswoman said.

“This alleged offence is in contravention of the sea fishing boat licence for the vessel,” she added.

The master of the fishing vessel was cautioned by a Sea-Fisheries Protection Officer and charged by gardaí.

SFPA chairman Peter Whelan said that the illegal landing and marketing of fish drags down the normal market price for fishermen.

“It also distorts the market and only serves to benefit those people involved in illegal activity,” he added.

“It is disappointing that a number of fishermen continue to operate outside of the requirements of the current legislation.

“The Authority will continue to monitor the activities of fishing vessels and anyone found to be in breach of the legislation will be subjected to the full rigours of the law.”

The SFPA is an independent statutory body charged with enforcing sea fisheries.

The Authority enforces the EU Common Fisheries Policy and sea-fisheries law generally and food safety law relating to fish and fishery products.