A further prosecution of a fishing boat skipper for unlawful fishing this week reiterates the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s commitment to the protection and sustainability of fisheries in Manx waters.
 
Sea fisheries officers from the Department’s fisheries protection vessel Barrule boarded the UK registered vessel ‘Harm Johannes’ last week south of Langness, and found the vessel to be fishing for King scallops in Isle of Man territorial sea without an Isle of Man fishing licence. The vessel was escorted to Douglas, where it was detained.
 
The skipper Leigh Shields appeared before the Deputy High Bailiff on Tuesday (27 January) where he was convicted of the offence of unlawfully fishing for king scallops in Isle of Man territorial sea without the authority of a licence granted by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
 
The Deputy High Bailiff imposed fines totalling ?10,000 plus ?125 costs and ordered that the catch, comprising of 89 bags of scallops worth ?5,430, be forfeited.
 
Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “This most recent prosecution further emphasises the Department’s commitment to the effective protection of our sea fisheries resources to ensure a long term sustainable fishery for the industry.
 
“We welcome responsible skippers with registered vessels to sustainably fish in Isle of Man territorial sea with the appropriate licence granted by the Department, adhering to any of the closed, restricted or other management zones.”
 
For commercial fishing and licencing information visit: http://www.gov.im/categories/business-and-industries/commercial-fishing/. 
 
Photo - The Harm Johannes vessel detained in Douglas Harbour.