Government Bans Big Trawlers from Inshore Waters

In a landmark move aimed at protecting Ireland’s coastal waters, the Government has announced a ban on trawling by large vessels within six nautical miles of the Irish shoreline, starting October 2026.

The decision, unveiled today by Ministers Martin Heydon and Timmy Dooley, is being hailed as a win for small-scale fishers and marine sustainability.

From October 1st, 2026, vessels over 18 metres in length will no longer be permitted to operate trawl or seine nets in Ireland’s inshore waters—a key habitat for spawning fish and marine biodiversity. A transitional period will run from October 2025 to September 2026, during which larger vessels can fish for sprat under tight quotas and only with special authorisation.

“This is the right thing to do for sustainable fisheries,” said Minister Heydon, who confirmed the Cabinet was informed of the decision this morning. “After extensive public consultation, it’s clear the public supports this step to safeguard our marine resources.”

Minister Dooley echoed the sentiment, describing the move as a “turning point” for Ireland’s coastal communities.

“This will help re-establish the link between local fish stocks, local fleets, and local economies,” he said. “It also delivers on our commitment to support the inshore sector under the Programme for Government.”

The announcement follows overwhelming public backing, with 94% of consultation respondents supporting a ban on trawling by vessels over 18 metres in the six-mile zone. Scientific and economic assessments from the Marine Institute and Bord Iascaigh Mhara informed the policy shift and will be published alongside the consultation findings.

Dooley also cited Ireland’s commitment to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14, which emphasises fair access to marine resources for small-scale fishers.

“This is about supporting coastal families and protecting life below water,” he said, adding that BIM will assist vessel owners affected by the change to adjust their operations during the transition year.

The six nautical mile zone covers vital inshore waters measured from legally defined baselines along Ireland’s coastline, underpinned by the Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2021. These waters include bays, estuaries, and coastal stretches that are crucial to Ireland’s small-boat fleets and marine ecosystems.