The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has reminded the fishing industry of the prohibition on trawling by vessels over 18 metres in length within six nautical miles of the Irish coast, which came into effect on 1 October.
While described as a reminder, the SFPA's statement also serves as a warning to operators of larger fishing vessels to ensure they comply with the new restrictions.
As Afloat reported in July 2025, the restrictions were welcomed by the National Inshore Fishermen's Association, although it expressed disappointment that implementation was being delayed until October 2026. The measures subsequently became the subject of a legal challenge by fishing vessel owners.
Six-Mile Trawling Prohibition
The SFPA states: "All trawling activity by vessels over 18 metres length overall is prohibited in waters of the exclusive fishery limits of the State within a distance of six nautical miles of the baselines, including waters inside the baselines. For the purposes of this prohibition, trawling activity includes any fishing activity using trawl or seine nets."
The prohibition has been introduced under Policy Directive 1 of 2025.
Fishing Vessel Licence Conditions
The SFPA has also drawn attention to the conditions attached to fishing vessel licences.
"Fishing vessel operators affected by the prohibition should have received an updated sea-fishing licence incorporating the 6 nautical mile limit preclusion into the conditions of their licence," it states.
"Fishing vessel owners and masters are reminded to familiarise themselves with, and ensure compliance with, the conditions of their licence."
