MASTER OF FRENCH FISHING VESSEL CONVICTED OF UNDER RECORDING OF SOLE

Master of French fishing vessel convicted of under recording of sole. The Master of the French registered fishing vessel, ‘Rio Da Bouza’, pleaded guilty at Macroom District Court on the 11^th of September 2024 to illegal fishing activity. The vessel was detained at Castletownbere port on the 9^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 following: under recording of Sole, under-recording of Monkfish, failure to separately stow Sole and Monkfish and unauthorised freezing of fish. The Master pled guilty to all six charges. He was convicted and fined €3,000 for the charge of under recording of Sole. The outstanding charges were taken into consideration by the Judge.

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.”

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