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Fisherman fined for dredging in closed area

Fri, 02 Dec 2016

A fisherman has been fined £5,000 for dredging in a closed area in Manx waters.

Ian McClelland from Kirkmahoa in Dumfries admitted dredging for king scallops at the Point of Ayre.

The court heard the skipper of the Scottish-registered Saturnus found the conditions of his fishing licence and the descriptions of closed areas confusing.

Closed areas are enforced to protect areas where queen scallops breed and young stocks settle.

McClelland, who was also ordered to pay £50 costs and forfeit his catch, apologised for the error, and insisted it won't happen again.

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