A SKIPPER of a fishing vessel has been prosecuted for a scallop fishing offence.

Stanley Hanna, from Kilkeel, Northern Ireland, appeared before the Isle of Man's Deputy High Bailiff Alistair Montgomerie at a court in Douglas.

Isle of Man Sea Fisheries Officers from the Fisheries Protection vessel Barrule boarded the fishing vessel Fair Wind B918 5.5 nautical miles west south west of the Chicken Rock Lighthouse.

The vessel was found to have a quantity of scallops on board with shells below the legal minimum size of 110mm.

Mr Hanna pleaded guilty to the offence which took place on March 16.

Having heard the facts of the case Mr Montgomerie imposed a fine of £1,800 with £115 costs.

The vessel was detained until the fine was paid and all undersize scallops were returned to the sea.

Juan Turner MLC, member for fisheries at the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: "The department is committed to the preservation and conservation of the Manx scallop fishing industry.

"I hope the detention and subsequent conviction gives a clear message to other skippers operating within Manx territorial waters that they must all abide by the bylaws so hopefully we can create a fishery that will be viable and sustainable for all.

"I note that catch rates are higher in Manx waters than elsewhere in the Irish Sea and I believe this is a direct consequence of the conservation measures we have in place.

"It is not acceptable for individuals to flout the rules, fishermen of all jurisdictions must learn to respect the measures that we have put in place to protect their businesses."