Agency criticises 'illegal' fish landings

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority says it is "disappointed" that a small number of Irish fishermen are depressing market prices by making "illegal" landings.

Its chairman, Peter Whelan, said "personal gain sought by a small number of people" is placing fishermen who work within the law "at a commercial disadvantage". He was commenting on the latest list of six detentions of Irish-registered vessels by Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) officers, working with the Naval Service and the Garda.

The vessels were detained for a series of alleged offences during January in Dublin, Wexford and Cork. The SFPA has named the vessels as the Ronan Ross, detained in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, on January 10th on suspicion of illegally fishing for herring. Catch was valued at €21,000 and the skipper was cautioned by an SFPA officer and charged by gardaí.

The Rony was detained at Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford, on January 12th on charges of failing to give advance notice of its intention to land a quantity of monkfish weighing over 150kg. Catch was valued at €1,280 and a file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The Maarten Luther was detained in Rosslare, Co Wexford, on January 17th for failing to give advance notice of its intention to land cod and monkfish. Catch was valued at €15,000 and a file is being prepared for the DPP.

The Charlotte Kate, which was not registered, was detained south of Helvick harbour, Co Waterford, on January 24th while potting for shrimp. The skipper was cautioned and a file is being sent to the Attorney General.

The Richard Mary was detained south of Cork harbour on January 28th, for alleged logbook offences and failing to provide a boarding ladder. Catch was valued at €1,200 and a file is being sent to the Attorney General.

The Celtic Ross was detained in the Irish Sea and escorted to Howth, Dublin, on January 29th for alleged breach of crewing regulations. Catch was valued at €2,100 and a file is being sent to the Attorney General, the SFPA said.

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times