Bull Bay Fisherman Prosecuted for Obstructing Fishery Officer.

On Wednesday 14^th June 2006, at Llangefni Magistrates Court, Mr Peter Jackson of Amlwch, Anglesey, was found guilty on two charges of obstructing an Officer of the North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee.

The Bench heard that on the 1^st September 2005, two Fishery Officers observed Mr Jackson landing from his boat at Bull Bay. As he proceeded up the beach carrying a bucket containing his catch, he was approached by one of the Fishery Officers. He immediately fled down the beach towards his boat, twice ignoring instructions to stop and allow the Fishery Officer to inspect the contents of the bucket.

Mr Jackson then deliberately emptied the contents of the bucket into the sea, in order to prevent any inspection of his catch. In court Mr Jackson pleaded not guilty, and stated that he had merely been washing down his boat. He was fined £200 on each charge with £140 costs.

Principal Fishery Officer Martyn Boyce said: "The inshore fisheries make a significant contribution to the local economy, particularly in rural communities. Fishery Officers promote pro-active management strategies, by enforcing European and National legislation in conjunction with local Byelaws. These regulations serve to protect the current strong pot fisheries of North and Mid Wales. Anyone who deliberately frustrates the work of Fishery Officers is committing a serious offence, and can expect to be dealt with in the courts."