The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) has confirmed the conclusion of a case brought against the Master of a fishing vessel for breaches of sea-fisheries laws. Mark Fetherstonehaugh, of An Rinn, Co Waterford, Master of the fishing vessel Maarten Luther, pleaded guilty on the 13th June at Wexford Circuit Court to a charge of under-recording of catch of Monkfish by 1,595 kgs.
Sentencing for the case took place at Wexford Circuit Court on Friday, 30th June where a conviction was recorded and a fine of €500 imposed. The offence was detected during an inspection by Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers of the SFPA at Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford in February 2020.
An SFPA spokesperson commented:
“The SFPA notes the conviction and penalty imposed for this failure to accurately record fish catch. The legal requirement on Masters of vessels to ensure accurate recording of catches is crucial in order to obtain a reliable assessment of the extent of fish species caught, which is key to the sustainable management of stocks and quota allocation. This conviction underscores the seriousness of inaccurate logbook data and demonstrates the active measures taken by SFPA officers to inspect for compliance. The SFPA commends the officers for their diligence and work on this case.”
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