The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has announced that Ireland, United Kingdom, France and Spain will share resources – patrol vessels and personnel, in a continuing effort to monitor trans-boundary fisheries. This further development of international co-operation on fisheries control for 2011 involves one Member State providing an inspection vessel with inspectors from the various other Member States onboard. This allows the inspection vessel to operate across each Member State's European Economic Zone boundaries.

This year Ireland will provide the Naval Vessel LE Aoife which will act as a platform for inspectors from Ireland, United Kingdom, France and Spain to engage in fisheries control. This patrol will take place in May and will operate in the European Economic Zone's of Ireland, United Kingdom, France and Spain.

Historically the control of trans-boundary fishing was a problem as fishing vessels could cross from one jurisdiction to another to avoid inspection. The problem was initially very prevalent in the North Sea and the first proposals for trans-boundary co-operation within the EU were developed there.

The European Commission has formalised the protocols through the introduction of legislation. Ireland, United Kingdom, France and Spain have worked very closely on this protocol. Ireland has shared boundaries for fisheries control with these other Member States.

Peter Whelan, Chairman of the SFPA said: "The SFPA's authorisation of this latest fisheries patrol is aligned with our goal of promoting a level playing field across EU waters. I welcome this initiative which I believe will benefit all fishermen who operate in compliance with the law. As fisheries are a common resource it is vital that all operators from all EU fleets respect the rules. We must rebuild our fish stocks by implementing conservation measures and tackling illegal fishing by fleets in our waters which is a major cause of the decline in our fish stocks and quotas. This initiative will provide an opportunity to stop the cycle of decline which in turn will support the development of a sustainable profitable future for our industry. We will continue to work with the Competent Authorities of other Member States to promote a uniform standard of fisheries control."