Fisherman fined for catching scallops without licence

Tue, 29 Nov 2016

A fisherman has been fined £8,000 for catching scallops in Manx waters without a licence.

John Baldwin was skippering the Northern Irish-registered Provider south of Chicken's Rock last week when he was stopped by the Island's fishing authorities.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture heard that the vessel used to hold licences to catch scallops in the UK and Isle of Man, but a new owner had failed to re-apply for a Manx licence when the vessel changed hands.

In addition to the fine, Baldwin was also charged £50 costs and ordered to forfeit his catch of king scallops worth £220.

Further restrictions on scallop fishing have recently brought in to protect stocks amid fears of overfishing in Manx waters.