The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) is reminding masters and operators of Third Country, non-EU fishing vessels that they are required to adhere to the regulations pertaining to entry to and landing in designated EU ports and to ensure that the masters of the vessels provide sufficient prior notification for such activities.
Reporting requirements exist for non-EU vessels entering EU ports. Under regulations designed to deter IUU (Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported) fishing, the designated ports in Ireland for all non-EU vessels are limited to Castletownbere and Killybegs with additional access only for those vessels registered in Northern Ireland to the ports of Greencastle, Rathmullan, Burtonport, Ros an Mhíl and Howth.
Under North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) rules, in addition to the above seven ports, non-EU vessels may also land their catches of Live Bi-Valve Molluscs that are exempt from EU IUU regulations in the ports of Moville and Quigley’s Point, subject to NEAFC entry and reporting rules.
The provisions, under EU and National legislation, are applicable to both national and international vessels. Additionally, Masters of fishing vessels registered within the EU and engaged in fishing for stocks subject to multi-annual plans and fitted with electronic recording and reporting systems, are required to provide notification to designated authorities prior to entering the port.
Further detailed information is available on the SFPA and NEAFC websites*.
Paschal Hayes, Executive Chairperson of SFPA said,
“It is important that all fishers – whether Irish, EU or Third Country – adhere to and comply with their obligations under EU and Irish legislation and ensure that they familiarise themselves with the necessary requirements.
Designated ports are a critical component in an overall framework that seeks to ensure effective fisheries management and minimise the risk of Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing. I would urge all fishers, and masters of fishing vessels to ensure they are fully informed and clear on their obligations and responsibilities.”
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*https://www.sfpa.ie/What-We-Do/Trade-Market-Access-Support/IUU-Fishing/Third-Country-Transhipment-and-Landings