The latest prosecution for illegal fishing reinforces the message that the Island will safeguard stocks to ensure sustainability.
That is the statement from Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, after a trawler master was fined for breaching regulations.
James McKinley, of Greencastle, County Donegal, appeared before Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes on Wednesday and admitted fishing for king scallops in a closed area off the Island’s west coast two days earlier. He was fined £5,000 with £50 costs.
Credit was given for the fact he co-operated with fisheries officers and had no previous convictions.
A satellite tracker fitted to McKinley’s vessel alerted fisheries officers to his position.
The Deputy High Bailiff reminded McKinley that it was his responsibility to keep up to date with regulations and visit the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s website, where updates are published.
She said breaching regulations was a serious offence carrying a maximum fine of £50,000.
The Minister said: ‘Regulations that determine where vessels can fish are in place for a good reason. Parts of the Island’s territorial seas are closed to allow stocks to recover, in line with scientific advice.
‘The sea fishing industry is worth £13 million to the Island’s economy and it is carefully managed to ensure it isn’t overfished, with the resulting damaging effect on future catches.
‘I hope this latest prosecution sends out the message that we will continue to be vigilant and take a robust approach against anyone we catch breaching regulations.’
