FISHING MASTER PLEADS GUILTY TO RETAINING BELOW MINIMUM LEGAL SIZE LOBSTER

Fishing master pleads guilty to retaining below minimum legal size lobster and protected lobster onboard a fishing vessel. Master of the Irish sea-fishing boat Resurrection II, Eammon O’ Neill, with an address in Kinsale, Co. Cork, appeared before Bandon District Court on the 19^th of June 2026. He pleaded guilty to charges relating to the retention onboard of below minimum legal size lobster and lobsters with mutilated tails.

The offences were detected during an inshore at-sea patrol by Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) in July 2025, off the coast of Co. Cork. Officers inspected the shellfish keep owned by the Defendant and found 10 European lobsters which measured below the minimum legal size (87mm) and 4 lobsters which had mutilated tails, caught by the Master in a commercial fishing operation.

The prohibition on retaining onboard catches of lobsters with mutilated tails is in place to ensure there is no circumvention of the prohibition on retaining onboard and landing V-notched lobsters.

The Court heard evidence that under a voluntary scheme, a V-notch is applied by fisherpersons to the tails of certain female lobsters which are capable of reproduction; such lobsters must not be harmed and must be returned immediately to the sea alive when caught.

The Court proceeded to impose fines totalling €725.  In reaching its decision, the Court remarked that lobsters are a valuable commodity and that the lobster industry is important to the country. The Court noted the State’s “specific legislation to safeguard lobster stock”.

A spokesperson for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority commented:

“The SFPA notes the decision of the Court which emphasises the seriousness of these offences. Compliance with EU and national rules on sustainable lobster fishing is key to ensuring the sustainability of these stocks for the seafood industry, fishing communities and marine ecosystems. Masters and vessel operators must adopt necessary processes to ensure compliance with the minimum conservation reference rules and comply with their obligations in respect of such catches. Non-compliant catches of lobster must not be retained onboard and must be carefully handled and returned immediately to the sea alive. The SFPA commends the Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers involved for their investigation.”

Image: SFPA

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