Ireland’s fisheries surveillance authority says that it is currently carrying out patrols of inland fisheries in the north west.
The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is responsible for checking that fishers are only catching the fish they are supposed to and in line with agreed EU quotas.
The SFPA has the power to fine fishing masters breaking the rules or even take fishers to court.
The authority said its current programme of patrols is to ensure conservation measures are being followed to help protect Ireland’s shellfish and crustacean fisheries including crab, lobster, crayfish, whelk and razor clams.
“Regulations are in place regarding the minimum size that can be caught to ensure shellfish and crustacean species such as lobster and crab can reach maturity and reproduce to safeguard the future of stocks,” the SFPA said.
The authority said that it has deployed large inflatable vessels with the capacity to winch lift and inspect lobster pots.
The inshore monitoring programme also includes land vehicle patrols able to reach small local ports and landing places so protection officers can check for unlicensed and unregistered vessels which may be deployed during the summer months.
The SFPA says it is also focusing on “non-compliant” commercial fishing vessels along the Irish coast.