What Crew Members Say About Ocean-Protector

On June 21, 2023, a French-registered fishing vessel was detained by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) while operating in the Irish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The detainment followed an inspection conducted by the 'Ocean Protector' that utilized a risk-based approach, focusing on fishing gear and designated fishing areas rather than the vessel's registered flag. Allegations arose that the fishing vessel was utilizing gillnets without the appropriate acoustic deterrent devices across more than 15,000 meters of gear. Gillnets, constructed from monofilament nylon mesh, are nearly invisible when submerged and pose significant risks to cetaceans and other marine life. The absence of acoustic deterrents, often referred to as 'pingers', may result in increased entanglement and potential drowning for vulnerable species, such as dolphins. These pingers, which emit specific frequencies at regular intervals, serve as crucial warnings to marine mammals in vicinity to avoid entrapment. The SFPA has been progressively adopting advanced technologies both at sea and on land to ensure compliance with the requirements for fishing gear to include these necessary acoustic devices. As per regulations, these ‘pingers’ must be positioned at intervals of at least 200 meters apart when digital devices are utilized and at 100 meters for analogue types, applicable to any bottom-set gillnet or entangling net on vessels exceeding 12 meters in certain marine areas. Following the inspection, the detained vessel was escorted to Castletownbere, where it was handed over to officers from An Garda Síochána and the SFPA for further investigation. The vessel's master was scheduled to appear in court later that same day, June 21, as authorities continue to enforce stringent regulations on sustainable fishing practices.