Martin Ferris
Ceist:379 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if any RSW vessels prohibited from fishing within the six or 12 mile limits have been monitored from Haulbowline. [31190/03]
Written Answers. - Fisheries Protection.
Martin Ferris
Ceist:380 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if any RSW vessels which are prohibited from fishing within six miles, or any vessels of over 110 feet prohibited from within the 12 mile limit, have been boarded in the past 12 months; and, if so, the details of these. [31191/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 379 and 380 together.
All RSW fishing vessels are monitored by the Irish Naval Service at Haulbowline by means of the satellite based vessel monitoring system. This vessel monitoring system indicates and records the position of the fishing vessel on a continuous basis. The Irish Naval Service and the inspection resources of my Department co-operate fully in monitoring these fishing vessels.
Boardings of these vessels are carried out in Irish ports on a regular basis. These controls take place at all the ports where these vessels land their fish. The Irish Naval Service carry out boardings at sea in cases where there is suspected illegal fishing activity. There have been two fishing vessels with tanks detained this year by the Irish Naval Service for alleged illegal fishing. These cases are still under consideration by the courts.