MASTER OF FRENCH FISHING VESSEL CONVICTED OF ILLEGAL FISHING ACTIVITY

Master of French fishing vessel convicted of illegal fishing activity. The Master of the French registered fishing vessel, ‘Pepe Barreiro’, pleaded guilty at Bandon District Court on the 7^th of September 2024 to illegal fishing activity. The vessel was detained at Castletownbere port on the 6^th of September 2024, following an inspection by Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).

The court heard evidence of how Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers conducted an inspection of the vessel and detected the non-recording of Common Sole in the fishing logbook; retention of undersize Crawfish onboard the vessel; failure to separately stow Sole and Megrims and failure to have a stowage plan recording Common Sole. The Master pleaded guilty to the four charges and was convicted on three charges relating to Sole. The Court imposed fines of €4,000 on each charge, totalling €12,000 and did not impose forfeiture of catch or gear.

An SFPA spokesperson commented:

“The SFPA notes the seriousness the Court attached to these infringements. Masters and owners of fishing vessels must ensure ongoing compliance with the regulations which are in place to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and future fishing activities for the fishing community. The assessment of stocks in Irish and EU waters relies on accurate data being recorded. The accurate assessment of stocks based on fishing and catch data is a key tool to ensure the sustainable management of fish stocks and fishing. The SFPA commends the Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers for the thorough investigation.”

Source