Use of net attachments cost master and owner 拢25,000
A fishing vessel master and owner were ordered to pay a total of over 拢25,000 by Bodmin Magistrates Court on 31 July 2014.
Newlyn harbour, where the vessel was detained
A fishing vessel master and owner were ordered to pay a total of over 拢25,000 by Bodmin Magistrates Court on 31 July 2014 in relation to illegal devices attached to their fishing nets namely strengthening bags.
The vessel, L鈥橝lphaver, which fishes out of Guilvenec in north west France, was inspected at sea on Monday 30 June by HMS Severn, a Royal Navy fisheries protection vessel. It had been fishing in what is referred to as the Celtic Sea, North West of Cornwall.
Two offences were identified during the inspection and the vessel was detained to Newlyn for further investigation. It was found that the nets which had been used did not comply with requirements, in that the strengthening bags attached to the nets obstructed or otherwise effectively diminished the meshes in the cod end.
The case was originally scheduled to be heard on 2 July at Truro Magistrates, however adjourned until 31 July. A bond of 拢75,000 was arranged which allowed the vessel to return to sea in the meantime.
The master, Fabrice Pellae of Plozevet, France, was ordered to pay 拢500 plus a victim surcharge of 拢50. The owner, Clement Cochou of Plon茅our-Lanvern, France, was ordered to pay 拢1000 plus a victim surcharge of 拢100. In addition the court ordered an additional penalty to the value of the catch of 拢20,000 plus costs of 拢4059.50. The fines will be taken from the 拢75,000 bond.
The MMO is committed to protecting fish stocks and quota for law-abiding fishermen who rely on these species to sustain their livelihoods. It recognises the majority of the fishing industry is compliant with the rules that govern its commercial activities, and will ensure that those who aren鈥檛 do not enjoy unfair financial advantage from illegal activity.