The post-Brexit re-allocation of fishing grounds and quotas causes friction at sea
For the third time in recent months the authorities in the Republic of Ireland have apprehended a fishing boat based in the north-western Spanish region of Galicia, alleging that the captain was knowingly infringing on Irish fishing grounds.
The longline fishing vessel Valle Fraga sailed out of the port of Burela in the province of Lugo, but was escorted last Friday to Castletownbere in south-western Ireland after being detained by the Irish Navy vessel William Butler Yeats. The Irish Naval Service informs that this is the seventh boat caught infringing fishing rights by the William Butler Yeats so far this year, underlining the widespread ill feeling after the re-allotment of EU fishing quotas brought about by Brexit was perceived to be unfair on Irish fishermen.
Among the seven craft referred to in the statement have been three from the region of Galicia. In late May the first Spanish victim of the Irish clampdown was the Punta Candieira, based in the port of Viveiro, which remained in port in Ireland for a fortnight until a fine of 170,000 euros was paid.
This was followed last week by the apprehension of the Punta Vixía, which flies the French flag but sails from Vigo in Galicia, and on that occasion a fine of 100,000 was paid in order to secure the release of the vessel, according to the owners.
This latest action by the Irish authorities has been resolved far more quickly and inexpensively, with it being reported in the press that a fine of just 1,500 euros was paid immediately by the owners on Saturday August 28.
Image: Ministerio de Pesca
Source: Murcia Today
