Guide published on illegal fish discarding
A guide has been published to help Irish fishermen to stay within the law when it comes to discarding unwanted fish.
The waterproof Landing Obligation Exemptions Guide was launched last week by the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA).
It aims to assist vessel masters in adhering to Landing Obligation requirements, an EU directive designed to put an end to the wasteful practice of discarding certain species of fish.
A copy of the guide has been posted to all vessel owners with an electronic logbook onboard. One guide will be delivered for each 12 metre and over vessel. The guide was launched in close consultation and collaboration with industry representatives through the Sea-Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee.
Under the Landing Obligation, all catch subject to Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limits must be retained, recorded, and landed, unless an exemption applies.
The SFPA’s guide offers detailed instructions on how discards can be recorded using ieCatch V3, the latest version of the Irish electronic logbook software. Illustrated with step-by-step procedures, screenshots, and examples, it guides users through the process of logging a discard.
Welcoming the publication of the guide, SFPA Executive Chairperson Paschal Hayes said: “I am encouraged that representatives from the Sea-Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee have partnered with the SFPA in the production and promotion of our Landing Obligation Exemptions Guide.
“It is imperative for fishing vessel masters and owners to familiarise themselves with this guide to ensure accurate recording of discards and compliance with conditions for discarding under de minimis and high survivability.
“Accurate reporting of discards plays a role in the sustainable management of our marine resources. The SFPA continues to ensure the implementation of the Landing Obligation through inspection, control activities and consultation with fishers, other control agencies and various stakeholders,” added Mr Hayes.
Also commenting on the launch of the Guide was Sea-Fisheries Protection Consultative Committee Chairperson Catherine McManus.
“It is the statutory function of the Consultative Committee to seek to keep the sea-fisheries and seafood sectors generally informed of the applicable sea-fisheries law,” explained Ms McManus.
“Promoting compliance with the Landing Obligation is important to ensure fishers are fully informed of their obligations and that the future sustainability of the sector is safeguarded.
“I want to thank my colleagues in the Consultative Committee who worked with the SFPA to progress this initiative,” added the Chairperson.