The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is continuing its inshore fisheries patrol programme with a number of patrols in the Northwest. This programme is a key part of conservation measures to help protect Ireland’s valuable shellfish and crustacean fisheries including crab, lobster, crayfish, whelk and razor clams.
Regulations are in place regarding the minimum size that can be caught to ensure shellfish and crustacean species such as lobster and crab can reach maturity and reproduce to safeguard the future of stocks.
The SPFA deploys its 7.5 Metre Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) with the capacity to winch lift and inspect lobster pots and keeps (used for holding live crustaceans prior to sale) to allow detailed inspections. The inshore monitoring programme also includes vehicle patrols to small local ports and landing places so Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers (SFPOs) can identify and monitor unlicensed and unregistered vessels which may be deployed during the summer months.
The SFPA’s campaign will focus on non-compliant commercial fishing vessels along the Irish coast.
The SFPA will also monitor compliance by members of the public, where appropriate, to ensure their fishing activities are within limits for lobster and crab fishing. It is important for recreational fishers to also understand their obligation to adhere to the regulations which are in place to protect the marine ecosystem. Whilst certain activities are allowed without a commercial license, there are limits in terms of quantities, and usage of fish. All such fish must comply with the general conservation requirements applicable to both commercial and recreational fishing.
For more information, see Fisheries Information Notice 05/2025 - Non-Commercial Pot Fishing in Ireland.
The SFPA is advising that anyone found to be non-compliant with sea-fisheries or seafood safety regulations can expect to face prosecution.
A spokesperson for the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority advised:
“RIB patrols are important to ensure the long-term viability of an industry on which many coastal communities rely on for a living. Illegal fishing also poses a risk to public health as the seafood may not be stored or handled in accordance with food safety regulations and could potentially damage the excellent reputation Irish seafood enjoys both at home and abroad. Consumer trust in the quality, provenance and safety of Ireland’s seafood produce underpins the reputation and success of the sector on which many coastal economies rely.
As we continue to run our inshore patrols programme over the next few months, we would ask anyone who has questions or would like our Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers to focus on particular issues or areas to contact your local SFPA port office or use our Confidential Reporting Channels.”
ENDS
Note to Editor – photograph shows Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers on patrol aboard a SFPA Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)
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: https://www.sfpa.ie