A Spanish skipper who was found to be in possession of undersized nets was fined €15,000 yesterday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
Angel Ochoantesana of Pixape, Ondarroa, Spain, pleaded guilty to using nets on board his vessel which were undersized. He also admitted listing the net size incorrectly in a log book.
The naval vessel LE Aisling boarded Ochoantesana's vessel Michelle on October 29th last off the Cork coast.
The skipper co-operated fully with investigations and indicated he would plead guilty when the case was brought before the courts.
The court was told this was the skipper's first offence although he is a frequent visitor to Irish waters. His vessel has been boarded on a regular basis by fisheries officers who have never detected any irregularities.
No undersized fish were found on board the vessel on the day it was boarded by crew members of the LE Aisling. The maximum fine for the offences was about €88,000.
Judge Patrick J. Moran said the purpose of legislation is to prevent over-fishing.
He fined the skipper €15,000 for having undersize nets and €5,000 for failing to record the correct size in his log book.
Judge Moran ordered that fishing gear on board the vessel be confiscated.
Mr Ochoantesana was given 28 days to pay his fine - his boat will be detained until full payment is made.