The master and owner of the Spanish trawler Herbadi Dos (3-V-52-99) pleaded guilty on 17 January 2012 at Plymouth Magistrates’ Court to using nets that failed the twine thickness test measurements in the Hake Recovery Area.
The vessel was boarded on 12 January 2012 in ICES Area VIIh by a marine enforcement officer from the HMS Severn and was suspected of twine thickness offences and was detained for further investigation.
The master was fined £5,000 for the illegal twine thickness and has to pay a £15 victim surcharge. The owner was fined £15,000 for the illegal twine thickness and ordered to pay £5,345 in costs and pay a £15 victim surcharge. The total fines including costs were £25,375.
The Marine Management Organisation recognises that the vast majority of the fishing industry is compliant with the rules that govern its commercial activities.
We aim to encourage compliance with fisheries legislation through education, advice and guidance to the industry wherever possible. Where necessary we may take enforcement action which could result in a court appearance, potential fines for masters and owners, and forfeiture of equipment imposed by the court.
