The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) says the master of a “third country” fishing vessel was fined €300 at Buncrana District Court this month for landing into an Irish port without authorisation.
At the court hearing on September 16th, Shaun Crossan, with an address in Co Donegal, pleaded guilty to the charge in respect of the landing of the Northern Ireland-registered vessel Speedwell II on August 14th, 2023, at Glengad.
The SFPA says the court heard evidence from an SFPA officer that the vessel landed at Glengad Pier, Co Donegal, without a prior notification of landing being sent to the authorities, and without prior authorisation to land.
This was in contravention of the rules on landings by non-EU fishing vessels required under law.
Evidence was given that 21 boxes of live crab landed from the vessel were returned to the sea by SFPA officers.
“ Compliance with the rules for non-EU vessels regarding prior notification of landings, and the prohibition on landing without an authorisation to land, is key to ensuring seafood entering the EU market is traceable and checked for compliance with the rules against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing,” the SFPA said.
“These rules support consumer confidence in seafood and sustainable fishing. The SFPA commends the officers involved in the investigation,” it said.
