The first successful prosecution for contravention of one of the UK’s marine protected area byelaws has been secured as the skipper of a French fishing vessel pleaded guilty at Newcastle Magistrates Court.
The skipper of Pierre d’Ambre pleaded guilty to using towed demersal fishing gear inside the closed area of the Offshore Brighton Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in April 2024, plus related offences. The skipper and owner have been fined £40,000, which includes victim surcharge and costs.
The Marine Protected Areas Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw 2023 came into force on 22nd March 2024. A 50-day notification period preceded the byelaw’s implementation and was widely communicated. The day before the offences took place the vessel was also notified about the upcoming restrictions.
This is a landmark case, according to the MMO.
‘Effective enforcement of byelaws like this one is essential to ensure our MPAs deliver real ecosystem benefits,’ said MMO director of operations Peter Clark.
‘This successful prosecution shows that we will act decisively to uphold the rules and safeguard the long-term future of our marine environment.’
