The Naval Service is responsible for providing protection to Ireland's fishery zone.
Irish Navy patrols monitor vessels operating in Irish waters for breaches of fishing limits. On 11 November 1969 The corvette LÉ Maev was on patrol off the southeast coast of Ireland on routine fishery protection duty. Two Dutch trawlers were spotted fishing inside the six mile limit. Lieut Comd Joe Deasy gave the order to close in on the trawlers. The trawlers ignored light and flag signals from the LÉ Maev to stop.
The corvette was spotted and the trawlers made a run for it.
The LÉ Maev fired shells, pursued the trawlers and caught them. Both skippers were convicted at a court in Waterford and given the maximum fines of £100. Their catch and fishing gear were also confiscated estimated to be valued at £3,000 each.
Back on patrol a few days later, the LÉ Maev monitored the Dutch fleet as they fished outside the six mile limit. The LÉ Maev then returned to base at Haulbowline in Cork and was followed into port by one of the Dutch vessels.
Irish interest in fishery protection dates back to the turn of the century when the Helga was commissioned by the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction. In 1908, the Helga was replaced by a second Helga which was designed in Belfast and built in Dublin. The Helga was brought into service during World War I with the British Navy. As the HMS Helga, the ship tried to shell Liberty Hall in Dublin during the 1916 Rising. After the Treaty, the Helga was inherited by the Irish state and was renamed the Ó Muirchú.
This episode of 'Newsbeat' was broadcast on 26 November 1969. The reporter is Michael Ryan.
