On the 20th of January 2026, Sheamus Quinn, Master of the Irish sea-fishing vessel “Garvoge”, with an address in Co. Galway pleaded guilty at Derrynea District Court to two offences of unlicensed fishing activity in the period of July 2021 to December 2023.
The Court heard evidence that an SFPA Sea-Fisheries Protection Officer detected that fishing vessel “Garvoge” was actively engaged in fishing at a time when it did not hold a sea-fishing licence, in particular 25 fishing trips between 2021 and 2023.
The Court directed that a donation of €2,500 be made by the fishing master to the RNLI. The donation was subsequently made, and, on the 17th of February 2026, the Court applied the Probation Act.
Paschal Hayes, Executive Chairperson, SFPA commented:
“I note the decision of the Court. It is important to stress that sea-fishing licensing is key to ensuring the sustainable balance of fishing capacity and fishing opportunities. Consistent compliance across the industry with the sea-fishing licensing requirements is necessary to achieve that aim. The SFPA notes the importance of these requirements were underscored by the Court’s decision. I commend the Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers involved for their investigation.”
ENDS
About the SFPA
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is the independent statutory body responsible for the regulation of the sea-fisheries and the sea-food production sectors. It promotes compliance with the EU Common Fisheries Policy, sea-fisheries law and food safety law relating to fish and fish products, verifies compliance and, where necessary, enforces it. Its mandate covers all fishing vessels operating within Ireland’s 200-mile limit, over 2,000 Irish registered fishing vessels wherever they operate, and all seafood produced in Ireland’s seafood processing companies. The SFPA operates through a network of regional port offices situated at Ireland’s main fishery harbours. For further information visit: www.sfpa.ie