Resumption of sprat trawling in Kenmare Bay 'wiping out marine life'

Fishing boats trawling for sprats at dusk

The resumption of sprat trawling in Kenmare Bay, Co Kerry, a protected marine area, has angered both locals and ecologists, who say it wipes out valuable feed for whales, seals, and other wildlife. 

A ban on vessels of larger than 18m fishing inshore in the bay was introduced in 2019 following extensive public consultation and a number of scientific studies.