The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) today, 19th May 2023, launched their guide, Skates and Rays of Ireland 2023.

16 species of skates and rays are regularly caught in Irish waters, some of which can be fished commercially under quota restrictions while others are partially or totally prohibited. Skates and rays are required to be fished in accordance with Irish and EU regulations and this ensures the long-term sustainability of these stocks. The guide details how to identify these species, and what three-letter codes to use to record all these species.

The key features to help identify each skate or ray are shown in red, including key characteristics of a particular species. The guide is currently being distributed to fishers who may encounter skates and/or rays, and fish buyers who may handle skates or rays. These waterproof guides can be used for reference by fishers and fish buyers’ onboard vessels or in the processing/receiving areas of fish buyers’ premises.

Commenting on the launch of the guide, SFPA Chairperson Paschal Hayes said; “Since January 2009, it has been a legal requirement that catches of various species of ray including cuckoo ray, thornback ray, blonde ray, spotted ray, sandy and shagreen ray are reported separately. Some fishers are logging all skates or rays, irrespective of what species they are, as one species, such as blonde rays. Additionally, some fish buyers are recording all their catches as another species, such as thornback rays. Such discrepancies result in errors in SFPA’s automated cross-check system VALID, which requires follow-up by Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers (SFPOs). All species over 50kg, whether they are a quota species or not, must be logged, recorded, or reported using the correct species-specific code. Failure to record species correctly can result in inaccurate stock assessments and may result in reduced quotas. For this reason, the guide will endeavour to help improve the accuracy of the identification of species and their subsequent correct recording.

‘We are pleased that John Lynch, CEO, Irish South and East Fish Producers Organisation and current Chair of the joint North Western Waters Advisory Council and North Sea Advisory Council focus group on skates and rays which have been advising that identification guides of this type are in place to ensure the correct identification of the different species of skates and rays in the logbook data.

“This is an easy-to-use guide to help identify the various species common to Irish waters, to ensure the long-term sustainability of these skate and ray stocks within the wider healthy marine ecosystems. It is essential that they are fished in strict accordance with Irish and EU regulations. Accurately recording the species of skates and rays that are caught enables more accurate stock assessments which provide clear scientific advice. By working together, we can phase out the use of the catch-all species codes and ensure that everyone across the country is using the correct codes to record all species of skates and rays.”

Fishers and fish buyers that require help in identifying any of the species of skates and rays are encouraged to contact their local SFPO and/or SFPA office and they will assist in identifying the species, as well as how to use the guide. Photographs of species caught by fishers will also assist in identifying species and these can be sent to the local SFPOs, or SFPA Port Office.

Irish seafood companies have been reminded that only cooked and processed bivalve molluscs can be exported to North America.

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) issued an information notice to exporters this week in relation to technical requirements for Irish companies trading with the US in “an evolving third country regulatory environment”.

It says that live bivalve molluscs – including oysters, mussels and razor clams – and frozen unprocessed bivalve molluscs are not currently approved for export from Ireland to the US.

“If these products are exported to the US, they will be rejected at the border control point and will either need to be destroyed … or reimported into Ireland at significant cost to the exporter,” it warns.

Exports of cooked or processed bivalve molluscs do not require an export health certificate, it says.

However, seafood exporters must be registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and pre-notify export consignments using the FDA online system, it says

Queries may be addressed to [email protected]

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has reminded approved seafood businesses to submit their self-declaration figures for the first quarter of this year.

The figures are required to calculate fees for official controls, charged by the SFPA under an EU regulation.

“Fees for official controls, including routine seafood inspections, are calculated based on the volumes of fish first placed on the market by an operator,” the SFPA says in a statement.

The fees comprise a flat rate of €1 per tonne for the first 50 tonnes in a month and 50 cent per tonne thereafter, it says

“Fees are also charged for unplanned official controls arising from follow-up of non-compliances, based on an hourly rate,” it says.

The self-declaration figures for the first quarter of 2023 are due to be submitted to [email protected] on or before April 14th, 2023.

It says the self-declaration form can be accessed on the SFPA website.

It says fees relating to imports of fish and fishery products from third countries to Ireland at border control posts will continue to be collected by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine National Disease Control Centre.

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has reminded Irish seafood exporters that consignments of fish and shellfish sold to third countries require an export health certificate.

The SFPA issues certificates, the competent authority under Irish and European legislation, for fishery products manufactured, processed, or packaged in Ireland, it says.

Prior to issuing the export health certificate, sea fisheries protection officers will undertake a number of official controls, it says.

“ These controls may include, but are not limited to, quality checks on frozen fishery products, sampling of the product, labelling checks, temperature checks, and gatherer’s cross-checks,”the SFPA says.

Documentation or data such as sampling plans/results, cold chain and traceability records may also be requested, it notes.

It says queries on this may be submitted by email to [email protected]

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has issued a warning to the public not to gather shellfish for personal consumption in the Castlemaine harbour area of Co Kerry, due to the presence of two marine toxin groups.

The toxin groups, Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PST) and Diarrhetic Shellfish Toxins (DST), can cause serious illness if contaminated shellfish is consumed either raw or cooked, the SFPA said.

It confirmed the toxins were detected during routine testing as part of Ireland’s shellfish monitoring programme, which is managed by the SFPA with the Marine Institute.

“ As a result of the detection, the Castlemaine production area is now closed for the harvesting of shellfish until further notice,” it said.

“Ireland has a robust and effective shellfish monitoring programme in place to ensure that the highest standards of health and safety are maintained at all times, for the benefit of consumers and to maintain Ireland’s reputation as a world-class producer,” SFPA executive chair Paschal Hayes said.

“This monitoring programme has now detected the presence of two serious toxins in the Castlemaine harbour area, and we are strongly advising members of the public not to gather shellfish for personal consumption in this area,” he said.

“We are also reminding the public to only purchase seafood, whether for personal consumption or for sale, through reputable suppliers,” he said.

“ Food businesses, including restaurants and retail outlets, should always look for the oval approval number on orders which confirms the supplier is approved to sell live bivalve molluscs,” he said.

Bivalve molluscs, such as oysters, mussels, clams, and cockles may occasionally accumulate these naturally occurring toxins which are produced by certain species of phytoplankton, the SFPA explained.

“These naturally occurring toxins do not harm the shellfish but can cause illness in humans when contaminated shellfish are subsequently consumed,” it said.

“Under seafood safety regulations, live bivalve molluscs can only be harvested from production areas which meet the classification requirements for human consumption,” it said, and these are classified by the SFPA according to the quality of the waters.

The SFPA also conducts a monthly shellfish sampling programme of all classified production areas to monitor the levels of microbiological contamination.

Shellfish production areas are sampled on a weekly basis for analysis by the Marine Institute to determine their biotoxin status to ensure any shellfish species which are harvested is safe for human consumption

Mr Hayes said that anyone with concerns regarding fishing activity that might be illegal or contrary to seafood safety regulations should contact the regulator directly via its confidential telephone line at 1800 76 76 76.

All testing results are available on the the Marine Institute’s website here

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) says that a Spanish-registered fishing vessel was "operating within the waters of Bantry Bay and therefore within Ireland's 12-nautical mile limit" during what Irish fishermen in the South West claim was an attempted ramming incident.

The incident was filmed by the crew of the Irish trawler.

The Irish skipper can be heard on VHF radio telling the Spanish boat to 'stay away from us.'

The CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producers, Patrick Murphy, called SFPA Chair Susan Steele and asked for immediate action.

Fishermen also called for the Navy to protect Irish fishing boats.

The CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producers, Patrick Murphy

"The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority are aware of a situation that arose when a Spanish registered vessel was encountered by an Irish-registered vessel operating within the waters of Bantry Bay and therefore within the IRL 12-nautical mile limit. The situation continues to be closely monitored by the National Fisheries Monitoring Centre at the Naval Base, Haulbowline," the SFPA said in a statement.

The incident happened on Friday morning, two days after fishermen staged a demonstration in Cork protesting at the dominant quotas held by non-Irish EU vessels in Irish waters.

"This was an attempt to force Irish boats off our own fishing grounds. It is intimidation. Our authorities must take action against this vessel acting extremely dangerously at sea and endangering life," the Chief Executive of the Irish South and West Fish Producers' Organisation, Patrick Murphy, said. "It is appalling. This was a threat to life at sea, so action must be taken against the vessel which tried to do the ramming. The Spanish boat should be arrested and stopped from fishing in Irish waters."

The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) was established on the 1st of January 2007. The remit of the Authority includes promotion, detection and enforcement of sea-fisheries and seafood safety legislation, regulations, notices and statutory instruments, to protect and conserve fisheries resources for sustainable long-term use.

The Members of the Sea Fisheries Authority have full managerial responsibility for the SFPA organisation and for ensuring delivery of its statutory responsibilities. The Members of the Authority also have a key role in the development of the organisation.

The successful candidate will:

• Have a proven track record as a strategic leader and a senior manager;
• Have in depth knowledge and/or experience of working in or with an enforcement or regulatory function;
• Have proven leadership ability together with the knowledge and experience required to provide leadership within the Authority and the capacity and aptitude to contribute actively as a member of the top management team in providing corporate leadership to the organisation.

Closing Date: 3 pm, Thursday 10th of September 2020

For more information and how to apply, visit here

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.

This year Ireland will provide the Naval Vessel LE Aoife which will act as a platform for inspectors from Ireland, United Kingdom, France and Spain to engage in fisheries control. This patrol will take place in May and will operate in the European Economic Zone's of Ireland, United Kingdom, France and Spain.

Historically the control of trans-boundary fishing was a problem as fishing vessels could cross from one jurisdiction to another to avoid inspection. The problem was initially very prevalent in the North Sea and the first proposals for trans-boundary co-operation within the EU were developed there.

The European Commission has formalised the protocols through the introduction of legislation. Ireland, United Kingdom, France and Spain have worked very closely on this protocol. Ireland has shared boundaries for fisheries control with these other Member States.

Peter Whelan, Chairman of the SFPA said: "The SFPA's authorisation of this latest fisheries patrol is aligned with our goal of promoting a level playing field across EU waters. I welcome this initiative which I believe will benefit all fishermen who operate in compliance with the law. As fisheries are a common resource it is vital that all operators from all EU fleets respect the rules. We must rebuild our fish stocks by implementing conservation measures and tackling illegal fishing by fleets in our waters which is a major cause of the decline in our fish stocks and quotas. This initiative will provide an opportunity to stop the cycle of decline which in turn will support the development of a sustainable profitable future for our industry. We will continue to work with the Competent Authorities of other Member States to promote a uniform standard of fisheries control."

National Learning Network is the training and employment division of the Rehab Group and many of those participating in the programme would have previously found it difficult to access employment due to accident, illness or disability.The partnership programme, which is already in operation in a number of SFPA offices throughout the country, has enabled National Learning Network students to gain valuable work experience and to avail of a wide range of external training opportunities with the SFPA.
Welcoming the official launch of the partnership, Marie Kelly, Director of Training and Employment Services, Rehab Group, says: "At a time when the economy is in recession, it's very exciting that an organisation such as the SFPA places such an importance on providing opportunities for people who may otherwise find it difficult to secure experience in the workplace.

National Learning Network provides ongoing support to all our students on employer-based training programmes. However, what sets the SFPA apart from many other employers is its commitment to providing structured training in a supportive working environment. Staff members within the organisation take time to mentor the students and to assess their needs, providing training opportunities for the students in areas where their skills could be further developed.
"The partnership between SFPA and National Learning Network is a wonderful model for the provision of training opportunities and work placements for those at a disadvantage in the labour market. It is our hope that other organisations, particularly state-sponsored bodies, will see the success of this partnership and introduce similar work placement programmes."

Sandra Ní Artaigh, Human Resources Director at the SFPA stated that: "From a Human Resources perspective, we have been presented with a wonderful opportunity to not only develop our own personnel through the mentorship aspect of the partnership, but also to make a valuable contribution to our local communities. Our partnership with NLN is significant from a number of perspectives. The programme affords all candidates training placements in mainstream integrated settings. Each individual placement is then subsequently strengthened with high level support that is provided over a period of time. This, in turn, facilitates individual development from a personal, professional and occupational level. It is because of this level of support and the long-term nature of the placement, that each person is developed even further and supported to re-enter the workplace. It is our pleasure to be associated with NLN and to be part of this innovative programme."

Peter Whelan, Chairman of the SFPA, welcomed the partnership stating: "Our hope into the future is to develop a solid and mutually beneficial partnership between the SFPA and National Learning Network. The initiative has been received exceptionally well with a number of staff volunteering to be advocates and mentors for both the programme and people working with us on the NLN placements."

With a view to enhancing existing fisheries control and monitoring arrangements between Ireland and Norway, the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) and the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries have signed a bi-lateral agreement on the 11th of August 2010. The fisheries control authorities of Ireland and Norway agree there are significant benefits for both sides in sharing relevant information and in enhancing co-operation in areas of mutual interest. The agreement signed makes provision for the routine exchange of information on landings by Norwegian fishing vessels into Ireland and by Irish fishing vessels into Norway. In addition, there is provision for the exchange of fisheries information on inspections and of information on cases where the fishing vessel of one party is found to be in breach of the regulations of the inspection services of the other party.

The Irish and Norwegian authorities share the view that the practice of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU fishing) represents a major problem not only for the control authorities but also for the majority of fishermen making their living fishing legitimately. The enhanced co-operation between Ireland and Norway can go some way to addressing the illegal fishing and trade in fish and fishery products. IUU fishing is an extensive international business - many IUU fishing vessels operate in international waters. All the illegally caught fish and fish products are ultimately landed into ports and in this context the parties recognise that every effort must be made to enhance the existing framework for monitoring, control and surveillance to prevent and eliminate IUU fishing and associated activities.

Peter Whelan, Chairman of the SFPA said: "Annually, about 50,000 tonnes of fish are landed by Norwegian fishing vessels into Ireland. Trends observed in landings show a decrease in the number and volume of landings into Norway by Irish fishing vessels and an increase in the number and volume of landings by Norwegian fishing vessels into Ireland. This reflects the recent development of added-value for human consumption blue whiting products by Irish fish processors."