The Government is introducing a de facto ban on industrial overfishing of sprat in Irish inshore waters in a move aimed at addressing changing migratory patterns of whales and dolphins as well as marine biodiversity loss.
From October 1st vessels of more than 18m in length fishing for sprat within the six nautical mile zone will require authorisation and be subjected to a quota limit of 2,000 tonnes.
From October 1st 2026, these vessels “will be fully excluded from trawling inside the six nautical mile zone and inside baselines”.
This marks a significant change in management of Ireland’s inshore fisheries, with the aim of protecting sensitive marine habitats and supporting the sustainability of key species, including sprat.
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Sprat are small fish indigenous to Ireland and a rich protein source for whales but also other cetaceans and seabirds. They dominate the inshore coastline in the Celtic Sea at shallow depths, making them especially vulnerable when trawlers fish for them at spawning stage from October on, with no limits on catch.
The move coincides with reports of fewer sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises off the southwest coast, which is damaging ecotourism.
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan welcomed the Government’s new policy directive.
“This is a step forward for Ireland’s marine environment and for the future of our marine wildlife. For too long, industrial overfishing of sprat has threatened the very foundation of our marine food web, putting whales, dolphins, and our much-loved seabirds like puffins and kittiwakes at risk,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“The measures agreed today, which amount to a de facto ban on industrial trawling of sprat in our inshore waters, are the result of an extensive public consultation process and careful consideration of the best available scientific advice.”
Sprat, a small but vital forage fish, is the lifeblood of Ireland’s marine ecosystem, Mr O’Sullivan said. “The collapse of sprat stocks would have devastating consequences [for species], which are already in steep decline due to food shortages and habitat loss.”
This decision also ensured inshore waters were protected for smaller fishing vessels and recreational fishers. In 2019 government efforts to introduce a ban were successfully challenged in the courts. In 2024 a public consultation invited views on introducing the ban again. It attracted more than 5,500 submissions.
Minister of State with responsibility for fisheries Timmy Dooley said: “I am mindful of the opportunity that these measures will provide for our important small-scale fishers, and I am confident that it will help to re-establish links between local fish resources, local fleets and local economies.”
“This Government has committed to maintaining support for our inshore sector in the programme for government and this decision helps to deliver on that promise. I also believe these actions may provide wider ecosystem benefits, including for essential fish habitats,” he added.
