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 Court on April 21st, 2026, for an offence of fishing for shrimp during the closed season as the master of an Irish sea-fishing boat “Naomh Cathal”.
The offence was detected during an inshore inspection by SFPA officers on July 31st, 2025, it says.
During the inspection, SFPA officers found shrimp pots onboard and adjacent to the vessel, with live shrimp inside the pots, it says.
The SFPA says that it is prohibited to attempt to land, be in possession of, buy, handle, tranship, transport, land, process, store or sell any shrimp which has been caught between March 15th and August 1st each year.
The court imposed a fine of €400, to be paid within six months, it says.
A SFPA spokesperson said “the case underscores the importance of compliance with the conservation measures introduced to support the sustainability of future fishing for shrimp for the seafood industry and fishing communities and the health of the species population in Irish waters”.
“ The compliance by fishermen and fisherwomen with such stock conservation regulations, and their efforts to ensure sustainable fishing for shellfish species, should also be acknowledged. The SFPA notes the seriousness attached to the non-compliance by the court and commends the officers involved for their investigation,”the spokesperson said.
