There has been an angry reaction in fishing ports after comments from the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, which said that a minority of fishermen are continuing to take illegal catches.
In its quarterly report, the SFPA said that 13 Irish boats and one French boat had been detained over the past three months for illegal fishing.
But the Federation of Irish Fishermen has accused the authority of conducting a campaign to put fishermen in a bad light with the public. It said the new figures do not reflect an accurate or true picture of the industry, which is struggling to survive.
The SFPA is an independent body, but works with the Naval Service to inspect all fishing vessels - Irish and foreign.
The boats were detained at Wexford, Cork, Waterford and Dublin for alleged illegal fishing.
14 Irish and non-Irish boats were issued with warnings by the Naval Service.
SFPA chairman Peter Whelan has been defending it against allegations from the industry that it is heavy handed.
In releasing the detention figures, he said that the seafood industry is vital to the national economy and it is unfortunate that this valuable and declining natural resource continues to be abused by a minority of fishermen.
While the SFPA will continue to meet with industry organisations, he said there must be compliance with fishing regulations and the authority would continue to deter illegal activities.
