Prosecution file being prepared after 1,000 illegally harvested oysters seized in South Kerry

One thousand illegally harvested oysters have been seized in South Kerry

Inland Fisheries Ireland says officers observed a large group of people hand-picking oysters at low-tide in Kenmare Bay.

IFI says the area is a special conservation zone, and collecting oysters without a licence is illegal.

Officers recovered 612 oysters from two vehicles, while two further bags were detected during follow up searches, bringing the total recovered to 1,000.

IFI says the oyster stock was returned to the coast, many of which were under the minimum size for licensed harvesting.

Two vehicles have been seized, while a prosecution file is being prepared against individuals who were allegedly involved.