On 16th August 2013, Philip Tasker of Port Erin was found guilty of 4 charges of using crab and lobster pots which had not been fitted with escape gaps and asked for 4 other similar charges to be taken into account. He was fined ?2000 with ?50 costs.
The case followed a routine patrol on 3 July 2013 by the Fishery Patrol Vessel Enbarr. Officers also found that the pots were not tagged in accordance with the Sea Fisheries (Three Mile Area)(Lobster and Crab) Bye-laws 2011. The charges in relation to this were dropped and the fisherman’s gear was not confiscated. Although not disqualified from fishing on this occasion, this is a penalty which can be imposed for this offence.
Escape gaps are required to be fitted to all pots used to catch lobsters and crabs. They are designed to enable juveniles to escape from the pot thereby allowing them to breed and contribute to the population.
DEFA Minister, Phil Gawne, MHK said: “I am very disappointed to learn that there has been such a disregard of fisheries legislation which, in this instance, is designed to secure lobster stocks in Manx waters and a sustainable future for the potting industry. My Department is committed to working with the industry to secure the twin objectives of healthy populations of fish stocks whilst generating a viable and sustainable living for our fishermen. I sincerely hope that this case will encourage a more responsible attitude and practices in the future”.
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