Paul Kehoe
Ceist:340 Mr. Kehoe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if any boat owners have been prosecuted in or around the Irish Box; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22141/03]
Written Answers. - Fisheries Offences.
The authorities are continuing to monitor activity within the Irish Box closely. To date, the level of activity by Spanish vessels in the Irish Box has remained below the 40 vessels at any one time threshold in the relevant EU regulations.
Since the beginning of this year, in respect of Ireland's enforcement of fisheries legislation within the exclusive fishery limits, a total of 33 fishing vessels have been detained, of which 25 were Irish-registered fishing vessels. In most cases, the alleged offences concern overfishing and logbook infringements. Of the 33 detentions, I understand that nine were successfully prosecuted to date. The decision to prosecute is a matter for the Attorney General's office in the case of fisheries offences.