The seizure was carried out after authorities inspected a vehicle transporting the catch and found that there were no documents relating to the oysters. The required registration documentation for the transportation of live bivalves is used to help to regulate the sale of the molluscs to ensure that they are only caught in toxin free areas and are suitable for consumption.


The authorities apprehended a 70-year-old man as part of the investigation, who was issued a fine for €44,890.


Because the oysters were still alive when seized by the authorities, they were then returned to their natural habitat.