Sea Fisheries Protection Authority News
Analysis by Tom MacSweeney Rebuilding trust is difficult to do, but that is at the core of the detailed report by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Fisheries and Marine Affairs into the operation of Ireland’s sea fisheries protection system. Can…
Ombudsman To Oversee Fisheries Protection Called for In Oireachtas Committee Report
26th May 2026 SFPA
An Oireachtas committee has called for an Ombudsman to be appointed to consider complaints and to interrogate the effectiveness of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). It also calls for an “immediate assessment” to be conducted at the various fishery…
The master of a French registered fishing vessel has been convicted and fined for offences arising from an inspection in Castletownbere, Co Cork last year. Bernard Helgouarch, with an address in France, and master of the French registered sea-fishing vessel…
A report on the State’s Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is due to be published by the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs on Tuesday, May 26th. The joint committee chair, Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness, and party colleague…
Irishman Michael Finn has been elected deputy chair of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) administrative board. The new EFCA chair is Kestutis Sadauskas, who is European Commission Deputy Director General in DG MARE. EFCA Leadership Changes Mr Finn has…
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) says a fisherman has been fined for fishing for shrimp outside the authorised season. It says that Antoine Griffin, with an address in C Galway, pleaded guilty and was fined €400 at Derrynea District…
The Executive Chair of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, Paschal Hayes, has retired from his position before the end of his term. In a statement, the SFPA said Mr Hayes is stepping down after almost 45 years of service across…
There is limited inspection of large ‘factory’ fishing vessels operating off Ireland, an Oireachtas committee has heard. The issue emerged during a session of the Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs examining the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). Committee…
The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs will resume discussions today (Tuesday, April 14) on sea fisheries protection issues with representatives from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA). Committee Cathaoirleach Conor McGuinness said: “The committee first engaged with the…
Louise Murphy has been appointed to the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) by Minister of State for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Timmy Dooley. Her appointment follows a public recruitment process conducted for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the…
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has issued an updated information notice on the management of Norovirus for shellfish producers. Norovirus (NoV), commonly known as the “winter vomiting bug”, is a significant cause of acute gastroenteritis, often causing diarrhoea and vomiting.…
Call For "Deep, Real and Meaningful" Reform of Sea Fisheries Protection Authority
26th March 2026 SFPA
Reform of the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) needs to be “deep, real and meaningful”, the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters’ Association (IFPEA) has said. IFPEA chief executive Brendan Byrne said that the Oireachtas Joint Committee on fisheries has a…
The Joint Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs plans to resume its discussions on sea fisheries protection issues today, Tuesday, March 24th. The meeting at 11am in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House will hear from representatives from the Irish…
Irish Salmon Exports to US Resume After NOAA Approval is Welcomed by IFA Aquaculture
22nd March 2026 Aquaculture
IFA Aquaculture has hailed the resumption of exports of Irish salmon to the United States (US) as a positive signal for the Irish aquaculture and seafood processing sector. “The US market is strategically important for the sector which has seen significant…
Skipper Makes Donation to RNLI After Pleading Guilty To Fishing Without a Valid License
15th March 2026 SFPA
An Irish skipper made a donation of €2,500 to the RNLI after being fined for fishing without a valid license. Sheamus Quinn, master of the Irish sea-fishing vessel “Garvoge”, with an address in Co. Galway pleaded guilty at Derrynea District…
EU Fishery Patrol Ship Ocean Protector Berths At Dún Laoghaire Harbour
6th March 2026 Dun Laoghaire Harbour News
The European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) patrol vessel Ocean Protector has made its first berth at Dún Laoghaire Harbour on Dublin Bay on Friday, March 6th. The bright-orange fisheries inspection ship is alongside the harbour’s Carlisle Pier for a four-day…
