Large pair-trawler operators targeting Sprat on Ireland’s South Coast are on public record stating that they’ll willingly follow scientific advice — yet they routinely flout the best scientific advice currently available.
ICES (the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea), a scientific body that provides advice to governments and regulatory bodies on managing marine resources and ecosystems, recommends a precautionary approach when it comes to Sprat. It advises an annual catch not exceeding 2,240 tonnes. However, published figures from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA), based in Clonakilty, confirm Irish vessels routinely land much higher numbers of Sprat, with 16,000 tonnes landed in 2024, 14,527 tonnes in 2021 and more than 12,800 tonnes in 2019.
Without intervention by a Government that’s so outspoken about protecting the Marine Environment on the international stage, Sprat are headed the way of the Dodo — as captured brilliantly in this cartoon by local West Cork wildlife artist William Helps.
Join us in Clonakilty on Wednesday 13 August 2025 on a protest march/rally from the Whales Tail statue at the Waterfront (outside Clonakilty Distillery) to the Offices of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and The Marine to show the Department responsible for this travesty the overwhelming public support for stopping the blatant overexploitation of our inshore waters.
You’ll find all the details about the march here, and can find out more about how you can help here.