Courts / Dublin / Report

'Everyone wants to be able to eat fish in 20 years time': master fined for exceeding haddock quota

Summary

A master of a fishing vessel, Gerard Caulfield (55) of Abbey Street, Howth, Co Dublin, was fined €2,000 for exceeding the haddock quota while fishing off the south coast of Ireland. He pleaded guilty to charges under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. The court heard that Caulfield was responsible for ensuring quotas were not exceeded and that catch data was accurately recorded. An inspection of the vessel, the Endeavour, on February 28, 2023, found that the haddock quota had been exceeded by 4.5 tonnes, with a market value of over €8,200. The court was told that the quotas are in place to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and protect the fishing industry for future generations. Caulfield, who has no previous convictions, claimed he had a genuine misunderstanding of the quotas and was working with new crew members who had language barriers. His defence also highlighted his financial situation, noting he is a single man living with his elderly mother and currently earns €23,000 per year.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Everyone wants to be able to eat fish in 20 years time': master fined for exceeding haddock quota. Charges or matters: a number of charges contrary to section 14 of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006; exceeding quota contrary to section 12(13) of The Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• February 2023 Incident
• February 28, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-11-21 Publication

Why: The master of a shipping vessel who exceeded the quota for haddock he was entitled to fish off the south coast of Ireland has been fined €2,000, with a judge remarking that laws are in place because "everyone wants to be able to eat fish in 20 years time". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

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Read the original CNI report