Judgment was reserved in the High Court yesterday in a case being taken by a Co Mayo fisherman who is seeking to have annulled regulations which restrict drift net fishing and prohibit it from certain areas.
Mr John Needham, Old Head, Louisburgh, Co Mayo, is appealing Galway, Connermara "and Ballinakill District bye laws and has brought the action against the Western Regional Fisheries Board and the Minister for the Marine.
He claimed that because of the regulations he had to travel at least six miles to fish. His livelihood was threatened as he was far longer at sea.
The Fisheries Board and the Minister claim the regulations were necessary to preserve, manage and increase the salmon and sea trout stocks.
Mr Justice Murphy is expected to give his judgment in October.