A number of undersized crayfish have been returned to sea after they were seized by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) in Kerry.
The seizure took place on Friday, May 9th, when a total of 39 undersized crayfish were detected and released.
It says investigations are ongoing.
The SFPA says it has launched its annual inshore fisheries patrol programme as part of conservation measures to “help protect Ireland’s valuable shellfish and crustacean fisheries including crab, lobster, crayfish, and whelk”.
“The SFPA’s campaign will focus on unlicensed and unregistered fishing vessels along the south and west coasts”, it says, and it “will also monitor compliance by members of the public to ensure their fishing activities are within limits for lobster and crab fishing”.
“The SFPA is advising that anyone found to be non-compliant with sea-fisheries or seafood safety regulations can expect to face prosecution,”it says.
As in previous years, the SPFA says it will deploy its 7.5 Metre RIBs with the capacity to winch lift and inspect lobster pots and keeps (used for holding live crustaceans prior to sale) to facilitate detailed inspections.
“The inshore monitoring programme also includes vehicle patrols to small local ports and landing places so sea-fisheries protection officers can identify and monitor unlicensed and unregistered vessels which may be deployed during the summer months,”it says.
“These vessels will be targeted for inspection at sea during the subsequent patrols in that area,”it says.
The SFPA has a confidential line on 1800 76 76 76, and can be emailed to [email protected].
It also has an online Confidential Report form.
