Today at Newry Magistrates Court Mr. Darren McKee (31) of Brackenagh West Road, Kilkeel, Co. Down, skipper and owner of fishing vessel N370 Aaron, pleaded guilty to landing 236 detached crab claws, obstructing or impeding a British Sea-Fishery officer, and failing to comply with the request of a British Sea-Fishery Officer. He was fined a total of £2,015.
On the 8 April 2024 fishing vessel N370 Aaron landed its catch for the day onto Kilkeel harbour where the catch was inspected by a British Sea-Fishery Officer from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
During the inspection a fish box was observed containing crab claws, with other items placed over it to obstruct the crab claws from being easily identified. Mr McKee drove off despite agreeing to complete a full inspection in his store. Mr McKee then placed other items observed from the initial inspection into a lockable cage and drove off a second time not enabling an inspection to take place. On accessing the cage, the Officer discovered another container which contained more crab claws.
The fine of £2,015 included:
- £1,000 for contravening Article 4(a) of SR 2020 No. 152 The Edible Crabs (Conservation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020;
- £500 for contravening Section 183 of The Fisheries Act (NI) 1966, namely obstructing or impeding an authorised officer;
- £500 for contravening Section 174 (2) of the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966, namely failing to comply with the request of an authorised officer;
- an offender levy of £15;
- and was given 12 weeks to pay.
DAERA Sea Fisheries enforcement is committed to pursuing those who fish 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:
- It is an offence contrary to Article 4(a) Of SR 2020 No. 152 The Edible Crabs (Conservation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 to land or bring to land detached crab claws.
- It is an offence contrary to Section 183 of The Fisheries Act (NI) 1966 by obstructing or impeding an authorised officer during an inspection.
- It is an offence contrary to Section 174 (2) of the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966 by failing to comply with the request of an authorised officer during an inspection.
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