Fishermen prosecuted for illegal fishing.
In two recent court cases, Magistrates at Caernarfon Court heard how 4 commercial fishermen were intercepted on Traeth Lavan by Fishery Officers of the North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries Committee. The four defendents were found to be fishing for cockles in contravention of Byelaw 14 (seasonal closure). The Byelaw prohibits all cockle fishing throughout the whole of the NWNWSFC District during the period 1st May to 31st August each year.
At the first hearing Mr G Moss and Mr P Parry, both from Colwyn Bay, pleaded guilty and were each fined £300 together with £70 costs. Mr P Richardson of Llanwrst also pleaded guilty and was fined £500 with £70 costs.
At a subsequent hearing, Magistrates heard how the fourth defendant, Ms V McDonald of Prenton, had failed to appear for the first hearing. The bench found her guilty of illegal fishing and awarded a fine of £650 together with £70 costs.
Principal Fishery Officer Martyn Boyce commented: " Byelaw 14 closes all cockle beds throughout the District during the summer period when cockles are spawning and the stocks are stressed. Anyone poaching these fragile stocks can expect to be prosecuted through the Court system."
On 22nd February 2007, Magistrates heard how Mr J Little of Flint had been intercepted by Fishery Officers whilst he was illegally cockle fishing on Traeth Lavan., near Bangor. He had accompanied 4 others out onto the beach, in order to remove cockles from an area which at the time was closed to cockle fishing.
All cockle beds throughout the whole of the North Western and North Wales Sea Fisheries District are closed to all fishing during the summer months.
Magistrates found Mr Little guilty and set a fine of £300 with £70 costs. At earlier hearings, the 4 other persons who had accompanied Mr Little were also all found guilty of illegal fishing.