Fisherman faces trial for failing to retain onboard catches of blue whiting and monkfish
A fisherman is facing trial accused of breaching EU regulations.
Rory Wilde (51) was served with the book of evidence when he appeared before Balbriggan District Court.
The accused, of The Hoar Rock in Skerries, is charged with failing to comply with EU fisheries regulations by failing to retain onboard catches of megrim, blue whiting and monkfish, which are subject to catch limits. The offences allegedly took place on board the Mary Paul sea-fishing vessel on April 24, 2024.
Mr Wilde is also alleged, as the master of the Mary Paul, operating with bottom trawls with catches of Norway lobster, that he did fail to use a specified gear type or gear dimension, by the use of a square mesh panel measuring less than 300mm.
A state solicitor said the book of evidence had been served on Mr Wilde, who goes forward to the next sittings of Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Judge Shalom Binchy gave the accused the formal alibi caution. The judge remanded Mr Wilde on bail and adjourned the case to May.
Mr Wilde has not yet indicated how he intend to plead.
A defence lawyer said there had been no application for legal aid in the district court, though one may be made in due course in the circuit court.