asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the number of arrests made by fishery protection vessels of drift net fishermen off the north Mayo coast during 1980; the number of convictions as a result; the value of equipment and salmon confiscated; and if this level of activity by patrol boats is greater than on any other stretch of the Irish coastline.
Written Answers. - Fishery Protection Arrests.
240.
During 1980 salmon fishery patrols were carried out on the north Mayo coast by Naval patrol vessels and by the Bangor and Ballina Boards of Conservators. Ten arrests were made for illegal drift netting in the area of which two have been decided in court and eight await court hearings. The two cases which have been decided arose from patrols by the Naval vessels and the penalties imposed were as follows: (i) fine of £130 with £60 expenses plus forfeiture of fishing net, 1,600 yards long, and of three salmon; (ii) fine of £50 with £30 expenses plus forfeiture of fishing net 3¼ miles long. The above two forfeited nets have not yet been disposed of; their value depends on their condition. The value of the salmon forfeited was about £27.
As to the remaining eight arrests, one arose from a Naval vessel patrol and seven from patrols by Ballina board of conservators. In addition the two boards of conservators seized 35 unattended illegal drift nets each measuring about 90 yards to 220 yards by 60 meshes deep. There was no special concentration of Naval patrols off the north Mayo coast.