Illegal netsmen all at sea after 3,345GBP fine

Three fishermen have been handed a substantial fine by Holyhead Magistrate’s Court for illegally setting nets.

Peter Neill of Chateau De Cordey, Cordey, Marcei, France, Gillian Frances Edmeston of Queen Street, Knutsford and John Scudamore-Roberts of  Rose Cottage, Four Mile Bridge Anglesey have all pleaded guilty to charges of setting illegal nets in the Inland Sea, which is situated between Four Mile Bridge and Holyhead on Anglesey.

All three fishermen received fines of £500, Court costs  of  £500, legal costs of £100 and victims fees £15 each bringing the total fine to £3345.00.

The three defendants were observed by Environment Agency officers retrieving fish from the illegally set nets, in two separate incidents on the mornings of Sunday 21 and Monday 22, September 2008.

The first incident took place on Sunday 21st September 2008. Acting on information to the effect that a net had been set in an area of the Anglesey coastline between Four Mile Bridge and Holyhead known as the Inland Sea. At 8:10am, Agency Officers observed two persons climb into a white boat at a jetty on the opposite side of the bay. The boat and its occupants made their way to the net whereupon they began to haul the net on board.

The boat returned to the jetty where both parties were  interviewed.  During his interview Mr Neill indicated that he had set the net (which belonged to his Brother) the previous night. He also indicated that the net was about 100 metres in length and had been anchored with steel weights. The catch comprised of three bass and one dogfish. Both parties claimed to be ignorant of the restriction on netting.

In the second incident, a net had been set in an area of the Anglesey coastline between Four Mile Bridge and Holyhead. At 7:30am, on Monday 22 September 2008, Agency Officers observed Mr Roberts row a small boat across the bay towards an orange buoy, which was anchored in the general location of the reported net. The Officers observed Mr Roberts lift the buoy which had a net attached to it and begin to haul the net into the boat.

The Officers then intercepted the boat, introduced themselves, explained why they had stopped the vessel and cautioned Mr Roberts. Roberts admitted that the net which had been anchored with the two home made anchors was his and that he had set it the night before.

In total, six fish were caught in the nets. The fish, nets and equipment were then confiscated by the officers and held as evidence.

Jason Westerberg-Liptrot Team Leader Environmental Crime Environment Agency Wales commented on the court decision and fines issued saying: “We are very pleased with the Court’s decision, in these cases.  This was a first time offence for the parties involved. It proves that illegal netting is a serious issue and we are working to safeguard the future of native species of fish in Wales.

Fishing for recreation and as part of industry is a key to the local economy. Illegal fishing damages the wildlife in the local environment and the community.”