Several hundred fishing vessels have sailed into four ports as part of a protest at the Sea Fisheries Maritime Jurisdiction Bill.
Fishermen protesting aboard their vessels in Dublin today
The protests are taking place in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Waterford ports.
The fishing industry is angry at the Government's decision to maintain a criminal system of penalties for fishery offences, citing advice from the Attorney General. Ireland is one of the few EU states to maintain a criminal system.
The European Commission says it prefers administrative penalties and reiterated this view last month.
The four organisations behind the day-long protest emphasise it is not a blockade, and that port authorities have been informed.
Around 40 boats sailed down the Liffey in Dublin this afternoon some with banners draped across the bows carrying various messages such as "We are not criminals".
Drivers honked horns as they passed the boats throughout the day. Most of the vessels were expected to leave the docks on tonight's tide to try and catch up on lost fishing time over the weekend.
There has been traffic disruption in Dublin during the protest as the East Link toll bridge had to be lifted a number of times.
This afternoon the Labour spokesperson on the marine, Tommy Broughan, said today's protest highlighted the fishing community's frustration at the "complete lack of consultation" that has characterised the drafting and implementation of the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Bill
"The most nauseating aspect of the fisheries bill debacle has been the pretence by Fianna Fail deputies, who are introducing this bill, that they are representing the fishermen," Mr Broughan said.