Business convicted of fisheries offences
Date published:
H.A.O Limited, 80 Donegall Pass, Belfast, pleaded guilty to having for sale 19 undersize lobsters and was fined a total of £643 today at Laganside Magistrates Court.
On the 21 June 2024, a Sea Fisheries Officer from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) was carrying out routine inspections of business premises associated with the selling of shellfish. Upon entering the premises, the officer measured 130 lobsters to ensure they were all above the minimum landing size. All lobsters were being held in water circulating tanks and available for sale.
During the inspection, 19 lobsters were found to be under the permitted landing size. The 19 lobsters were seized by the officer and returned alive to the sea.
The fine of £643 included:
- £600 for contravening Article 13 of Annexe 6(a) Of Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1241, contrary to Section 30(1) of Sea Fisheries Act 1981;
- £28 costs;
- £15 offender levy and given eight weeks to pay.
DAERA Sea Fisheries enforcement is committed to pursuing those who act illegally and whose actions have a detrimental effect on the conservation and protection of fisheries. If you are aware or suspect illegal fishing, you should contact DAERA Sea Fisheries on 0300 200 7852 or outside office hours contact 0800 807 060.
Notes to editors:
Notes to editors:
- It is an offence contrary to Article 13 of Annexe 6(a) Of Council Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 contrary to Section 30 (1) of the Sea Fisheries Act 1981, to bring to land, land or sells or offers or exposes for sale fish in contravention of Minimum conservation reference sizes.
- The minimum permitted landing size for European Lobster is 87mm.
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