FISHING MASTER PLEADS GUILTY TO UNDER-RECORDING OF FISH CATCHES

Fishing master pleads guilty to under-recording of fish catches. The Master of fishing vessel ‘Rose of Sharon II’, David Sharkey, with an address in Co. Louth, pleaded guilty to an offence of under-recording of catches in the vessel’s logbook. The offence was detected during an inspection by Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) at Cork Port in September 2021.

The Court heard evidence that the Master reported 15 boxes (approximately 600kgs) of Haddock onboard, in addition to other catches. On inspection by Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers, approximately 13,000kgs of Haddock in live weight was detected as having been onboard. The Court also heard the Master failed to record approximately 170kgs of Cod onboard.

The Court recorded a conviction against the Master and proceeded to impose a fine of €7,500, remarking on the “significant under-recording.” The Court further ordered forfeiture of €17,500 from the value of catch and gear onboard.

An SFPA spokesperson commented:

“The SFPA notes the decision of the Court and seriousness attached to this offence by the Court. Accurate catch data in EU waters is the basis for sustainable quota management and catch limits to avoid depletion of stocks, and ensuring healthy future fish stocks, which is key to supporting future fishing opportunities for coastal communities and the conservation of marine resources. The SFPA commends the Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers involved in this case for their investigation.”

About the SFPA 

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), is the independent statutory body responsible for the regulation of the sea-fisheries and the sea-food production sectors. It promotes compliance with the EU Common Fisheries Policy, sea-fisheries law and food safety law relating to fish and fish products, verifies compliance and, where necessary, enforces it. Its mandate covers all fishing vessels operating within Ireland’s 200-mile limit, over 2,000 Irish registered fishing vessels wherever they operate, and all seafood produced in Ireland’s seafood processing companies. The SFPA operates through a network of regional port offices situated at Ireland’s main fishery harbours.
For further information visit: www.sfpa.ie

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