Authorities Seize Over 1,000 Illegally Harvested Oysters in Co Kerry

A large group illegally harvested more than 1,000 wild oysters in Co Kerry, prompting immediate action from local authorities. The oysters, all of which were returned to the sea, were seized by officers from Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) after they observed individuals hand-picking them during low tide in the protected Kenmare Bay, designated as a Special Area of Conservation.

During their investigation, IFI officials searched two vehicles, uncovering a total of 612 native oysters. A subsequent search yielded additional bags, bringing the overall total to over 1,000 oysters. The vehicles involved in the illegal harvesting have since been confiscated by authorities.

Many of the oysters found were below the minimum legal size of 76mm, which is required for licensed harvesting. This highlights the ongoing issue of unregulated oyster collection in the area, where strict guidelines are in place to protect marine life.

Section 277 of the Fisheries (Consolidation) Act 1959 prohibits oyster harvesting without a license, and violations can lead to significant monetary penalties. A prosecution file is currently being prepared against those allegedly involved in this incident.

Sean Long, the South-Western Director of IFI, expressed relief at the successful intervention. He stated, “IFI is pleased our protection team prevented such a large quantity of oysters being taken from Kenmare Bay. This would have resulted in a significant loss to the local environment.”

The action taken by IFI underscores the importance of adhering to environmental regulations designed to safeguard the fragile ecosystems within the region. As authorities continue to monitor illegal harvesting activities, they emphasize the need for public awareness and compliance to ensure the sustainability of marine resources for future generations.