merrion street

At the request of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), in accordance with a Service Level Agreement, the Naval Service vessel LÉ Orla went to Dundalk Bay where it detained two UK registered fishing vessels on 26 February. 

The detentions were in relation to alleged breaches of fishing regulations.

Following a routine operation, the vessels were escorted by the LÉ Orla to Clogherhead and were handed over to An Garda­ Sí­ochána.

For comparison purposes, the Naval Service detained 7 fishing vessels in 2018 of which 2 were UK registered fishing vessels.

The alleged offences for both vessels were:

1. Vessels illegally fishing within the Exclusive Fishery Limits of the State, contrary to Section 10(1) of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006

2. Illegal entry into the Exclusive Fishery Limits of the State at a time when prohibited so to do, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. 

The Sea-Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006 established the SFPA as the competent Authority for securing efficient and effective enforcement of sea fisheries protection legislation and the sustainable exploitation of marine fish resources from the waters around Ireland.  A Service Level Agreement is in place which underpins the relationship between the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority and the Defence Organisation.  This is intended to ensure efficient enforcement of sea-fisheries law at sea through the support provided by the Naval Service and the Air Corps.  

In accordance with this Agreement, an Annual Control Plan is agreed between the parties.  This sets out the strategy for achieving sea-fisheries control targets each year.  As part of this strategy, there is a risk-based approach to fishery protection in order to better utilise resources.