Two men have been fined a total of £7,500 after being caught breaking whelk fishing laws off the coast near Bognor Regis.
In January, the crew of the Sussex IFCAs Fisheries Patrol Boat ‘Watchful’ observed and boarded the fishing vessel ‘B.J. P950’ off the Sussex coast near Bognor Regis.
Inspections and investigations revealed a number of infringements of Shellfish Permit Byelaw conditions, including numbers of pots exceeding the prescribed limits, absent escape holes in the pots to help reduce the capture of undersize whelks, untagged pots and unmarked dahns.
The patrol vessel also hauled illegal whelk pots which were subsequently seized.
On Friday (10 July) Sussex IFCA prosecuted Alan Bacon of Paulsgrove, Portsmouth for six infringements of the Sussex IFCA Shellfish Permit Byelaw, and Sean Bacon of Paulsgrove, Portsmouth for obstructing Fisheries Officers.
The pair appeared at Worthing Magistrates Court and Alan Bacon (the owner of the boat) was fined £5,000.
Meanwhile, skipper Sean Bacon received a fine of £2,500.
Police said:
‘The whelk fishery of Sussex has come under increasing pressure over recent years. Impacts from unsustainable practices will have direct impacts on the recovery of stocks and those responsible fishers that comply with management measures. It brings us no pleasure to prosecute people, but we must protect our fisheries from individuals who disregard the rules.
'We are totally committed to creating sustainable fisheries and protecting the marine environment. This prosecution will help will help raise awareness of the damage that a minority can cause.’
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