Among the penalties handed down last week by the Cork Circuit Court in half a dozen cases is a fine of €115,000 for German-flagged, Spanish-owned netter Pesorsa Dos.
This Irish court heard how failed to provide safe access for a boarding officer, as a boarding ladder parted just as an Irish Naval Service officer attempted to board. Pesorsa Dos’s skipper pleased guilty to all charges, which include failing to remove fishing gear after 72 hours, and failure to maintain an accurate record of the time the gear was in the water.
Fines totalling €115,000 were imposed, plus a forfeiture.
Another German-flagged, Spanish owned netter, Ortegal Tres, was handed a €37,500 fine for also failing to remove fishing gear from the water after 72 hours and failing to accurately record data relating to the gear in the fishing logbook.
The court heard on the same day cases relating to Irish, UK and French vessels for a variety of offences, all of which led to guilty pleas and fines totalling €562,500 being imposed by Cork Circuit Court.
‘The Court’s rulings in these cases serve as a deterrent to others, and promotes compliance with the regulations, across the fishing vessels operating off our coast. Under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006, the SFPA has a statutory mandate to secure the efficient and effective enforcement of sea-fisheries law. This enforcement is carried out in an impartial manner, ensuring fairness and transparency in all actions taken,’ said SFPA executive chair Paschal Hayes.
‘The Court’s significant decisions this week reflect the robust inspection activities and appropriate enforcement steps undertaken by officers. I commend the dedicated work of our officers, support services, the Naval Service, and the European Fisheries Control Agency for their commitment to protecting the sustainability of sea-fisheries.’
Image: Irish Navy Service
