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 at Midleton District Court, Co Cork, on June 15th to two charges of contravening the Bass (Conservation of Stocks) Regulations 2006 in 2021.
The case arose from an SFPA inspection of the landing from the Atlantic Jem in December 2021, at Ballycotton, Co. Cork, where nine bass were discovered by its officers within boxed catch of other fish species.
The SFPA says the court heard evidence that the master admitted to knowledge of the prohibition on retention of bass by Irish vessels.
The case was adjourned to June 22nd to allow the master to make a charitable donation of €1,000.
The donation was subsequently made, and the Probation Act was applied to finalise the matter, the SFPA said.
Ireland introduced particular restrictions and controls to protect bass, as a conservation measure, due to the depletion of stocks in Irish waters.
