Sea Fisheries Protection Authority News
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has confirmed that another case involving breaches of sea fishing legislation has resulted in a conviction and fine in court. It says that Mark Fetherstonehaugh of An Rinn, Co Waterford, who is master of the…
SFPA Confirms Conviction and Penalty Imposed on Fishing Vessel for Mis-Recording of Catches
5th July 2023 SFPA
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has confirmed that a case brought against the master of a fishing vessel for under-recording of catches has resulted in a conviction and fine. James Devlin, of Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford, pleaded guilty at Wexford…
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) says it has concluded a case brought against the master of a fishing vessel for breaches of bass conservation laws two years ago. The master of the fishing vessel Atlantic Jem, Sean Roche, pleaded guilty…
Master of French-Registered Fishing Vessel Detained Over "Pinger" Legislation Before Court
23rd June 2023 SFPA
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) says the master of a fishing vessel has pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to offences relating to failure to use acoustic deterrent devices on gear. The French-registered vessel was detained earlier this…
A French-registered fishing vessel has been detained by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for alleged non-compliance with European fisheries legislation. The detention took place on Wednesday (June 21), a day after an inspection…
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has issued a reminder to the public about a ban on catching angelsharks, after a sighting of the endangered species in Galway Bay. “Angelsharks (Squatina squatina) are among Ireland’s rarest native (as opposed to migrant)…
Inshore Fishermen Say New Spurdog Size Regulations Make Commercial Fishery Less Worthwhile
23rd May 2023 SFPA
Inshore fishermen say that new EU regulations on spurdog make the re-opened fishery less worthwhile. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has published regulations for the commercial fishery of spurdog in north-western waters, noting that it had been a prohibited…
Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority Launches Skates and Rays of Ireland Guide 2023
19th May 2023 SFPA
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) today, 19th May 2023, launched their guide, Skates and Rays of Ireland 2023. 16 species of skates and rays are regularly caught in Irish waters, some of which can be fished commercially under quota restrictions…
SFPA Publishes New Fisheries Information on Spurdog Regulations for Irish Vessels Operating in North Western Waters
10th May 2023 SFPA
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) announces the publication of a new Fisheries Information Notice (FIN) *as of May 2nd, 2023. This FIN pertains to the latest regulations for Irish vessels operating within North Western Waters and is specifically focused on…
Irish seafood companies have been reminded that only cooked and processed bivalve molluscs can be exported to North America. The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) issued an information notice to exporters this week in relation to technical requirements for Irish companies…
A number of undersized lobsters and brown crabs due for sale have been returned to sea, after they were seized by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). An inspection last weekend at the Limerick City Casual Trader area resulted in 28…
Britain Says It Wants to Take Collaborative Approach to Remote Electronic Monitoring of Fishing Vessels
29th April 2023 Fishing
Britain’s environment department is to hold consultations with its fishing industry in June over remote electronic monitoring (REM) in vessels over 10 metres in length. The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) say it wants to “learn lessons…
Three extra Irish ports have been designated by Minister for Marine Charlie McConalogue for landings by Northern Irish-registered fishing vessels. Malin Head, Glengad and Bunagee in Co Donegal have all been approved and will come under the remit of the…
Irish Seafood Exporters Successfully Registered Under New System for Chinese Market
19th April 2023 SFPA
Irish seafood exporters have received approval under a new registration system required for the vast Chinese market. A total of 36 Irish food business operators have had registrations renewed under the new system, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has confirmed.…
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has reminded approved seafood businesses to submit their self-declaration figures for the first quarter of this year. The figures are required to calculate fees for official controls, charged by the SFPA under an EU regulation.…
Fishing Industry Leader Questions Handling of Remote Electronic Monitoring Pilot Project Appeal
8th April 2023 Fishing
A fishing industry leader has questioned the Sea Fisheries Protection Agency’s handling of its appeal for volunteers for remote electronic monitoring of fishing vessels. Late last month, the SFPA issued a press release stating that it was enlisting the support…