The prosecution of a fishing boat skipper for breaches of Manx regulations sends out a strong message to others who may flout the law, says the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
 
Scottish vessel Tobrach-N was routinely boarded by sea fisheries officers from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s fisheries protection vessel Barrule on Monday while fishing for king scallops off the Island’s west coast.
 
The officers found the vessel was employing eight dredges per side. The maximum number permitted in Manx waters is seven per side. It was also noted that the diameter of the vessel’s tow bar was larger than that permitted under Manx regulations.
 
The vessel was escorted to Peel, where it was detained.
 
Last Thursday (22nd January 2015), skipper Gary Nicholson appeared before the Deputy High Bailiff and admitted two breaches of Manx regulations relating to king scallop fishing.
 
The Deputy High Bailiff imposed fines totalling ?15,000 plus ?125 costs and ordered that the catch, worth ?5,423, be forfeited.
 
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘I hope this sends out a strong message to the industry that the Isle of Man is committed to the protection and development of stocks of shellfish within its territorial sea and is vigilant over illegal fishing activity.
 
‘The significant fine must act as a strong deterrent to all vessels intending to fish in Manx waters.’
 
Photo - The Tobrach-N with sea fisheries officers on board, hauling her gear, with eight dredges per side.