The Irish Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority and the French Fisheries Control Authorities have signed a bi-lateral agreement, which will enhance fisheries control and inspection arrangements between Ireland and France.
The agreement makes provision for the routine exchange of information on landings by French fishing vessels into Ireland and by Irish fishing vessels into France - landings from fishing vessels on the territory of the other Member State will be the subject of a common control programme. In addition, there is provision for the exchange of fisheries information on inspections and of other information gathered during the course of those inspections. The agreement also allows for the exchange of Fisheries Inspectors.
Peter Whelan, Chairman of the SFPA said: “French-flagged vessels are significant players in demersal fisheries in the waters off Ireland. This significant and important bi-lateral agreement reinforces the need for the effective exchange of information concerning the inspection and control actions conducted by both Authorities. It is essential that the activities of the French and Irish fishing fleets and indeed of vessels of all nationalities sharing the waters we monitor are subject to the same fisheries control requirements. The aim is to ensure that efforts are made to allocate responsibility for the follow up of offences under the fisheries regulations and to foster transparency and mutual trust between two States whose fishing fleets operate in waters under the other’s jurisdiction. This agreement will support our efforts in stopping the cycle of decline in fish stocks which in turn will assist in securing a sustainable future for our industry. We will continue to work with the Competent Authorities of other EU Member States to promote a similar uniform standard of fisheries control.”
