Fishing Vessel Detained for Regulatory Breaches

The 116-meter factory trawler Helen Mary was detained 65 nautical miles off the coast of Mizen Head in Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone on Sunday evening for allegedly violating EU fishing regulations.

The european Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) patrol vessel Ocean protector intercepted the vessel after inspectors resolute the helen Mary possessed a defective ladder, prohibiting safe boarding.

A Tail of Regulations and detentions

Under EU regulations, vessels can be detained for up to 48 hours if suspected of violating fishing rules. The EFCA,headquartered in Vigo,Spain,holds responsibility for ensuring adherence to the EU’s common fisheries policy within EU waters.

The Helen Mary, wiht a crew exceeding 50 and a fish holding capacity of 7,000 tonnes, was reportedly engaged in the harvesting of scad or horse mackerel, a species highly sought after in the Japanese market.

The Ocean Protector, one of three inspection platforms chartered by the EFCA, plays a crucial role in enforcing these regulations.

The 48-Hour Clock: A Pendulum of Justice

The Helen Mary’s fate now hangs in the balance. Within the next 48 hours, the vessel must be either formally charged for the alleged violations or released.

This incident highlights the critical role of regulatory bodies in ensuring lasting and responsible fishing practices.

How does the EU’s common fisheries policy aim to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing?

An Interview with.Join István Nagy, EFCA Inspector, on Detentions and Regulatory Compliance at Sea

István Nagy, a seasoned inspector with the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), recently oversaw the detention of the Helen Mary, a factory trawler operating within Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone. Archyde’s correspondent caught up with him to discuss this incident and the broader context of EU fishing regulations and enforcement.

Enforcing EU Fisheries Policy: an Interview with István Nagy, EFCA Inspector

Archyde: Inspector Nagy, could you start by explaining why you detained the Helen Mary?

István Nagy: Certainly. The Helen Mary was detained for a safety infringement, to be precise. We discovered a defective gangway, which is a crucial piece of safety equipment for safe boarding, especially for larger vessels like this one.

Archyde: EU regulations allow for a 48-hour detention window. What happens during these critical hours?

István Nagy: Yes, under EU regulations, we have 48 hours to verify the suspected violations. This period allows us to question the crew, examine the vessel’s documentation, and collect evidence. The ultimate goal is to ensure the vessel is compliant or, if not, to proceed with formal charges.

Archyde: Can you share some insights into the EU’s common fisheries policy?

István Nagy: The EU’s common fisheries policy aims to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It provides a framework forquotas, vessel monitoring, and third-country access, among othre aspects. Our role at the EFCA is to enforce these rules across EU waters.

Archyde: The Ocean Protector was instrumental in this interception. How do patrol vessels and monitoring systems contribute to enforcement efforts?

István Nagy: Our patrol vessels, like the Ocean Protector, and complex monitoring systems are essential for effective enforcement of EU fishing rules. They allow us to gather real-time data, conduct inspections, and deter potential violations. However, they’re only part of the puzzle. Collaboration with coastal countries’ authorities and the fishing industry is also vital.

Archyde: what can be done to promote more responsible and sustainable fishing practices?

István Nagy: Greater clarity, better data sharing, and enhanced cooperation among stakeholders could greatly improve sustainability. Also, encouraging fishing practices that minimize environmental impact, such as selective fishing gear and responsible discarding practices, would be notable steps forward. Though, a collective effort from all parties involved is required.

For further developments on the Helen Mary case and other fisheries-related news,stay tuned to Archyde.