Download In 2012 there were nine potting boats fishing from this port at

Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
Unit 60B, South Nelson Road, South Nelson Industrial Estate
Cramlington, Northumberland NE23 1WF
Tel: (01670) 731399
Fax: (01670 731 628
www.nifca.gov.uk
[email protected]
Please note from 1 October 2013 we will be based at
8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, Northumberland NE24 4RT
INSIGHT INTO FISHERIES AND
ENFORCEMENT
2012 YEARLY SUMMARY
CHIEF IFCO A.B. BROWNE
FOREWORD
The Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) (along
with the other 9 IFCAs in England) changed from being Sea Fisheries Committee on 1st
April 2011 pursuant to the Marine & Coastal Access Act 2009 (“the Marine Act”). The NIFCA
boundaries are in broad terms from the middle of the River Tyne in the south to the
English/Scottish border in the North close to the historic port of Berwick upon Tweed and six
miles out to sea from baselines1. NIFCA also now has responsibility for all rivers and
estuaries within the district up to the National Tidal Limit (NTL).
The national IFCA vision reads:
“IFCAs will lead, champion and manage a sustainable marine environment and
in-shore fisheries, by successfully securing the right balance between social,
environmental and economic benefits to ensure healthy seas, sustainable
fisheries and a viable industry”
NORTHUMBERLAND IFCA MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE
2012
NIFCA membership consists of 6 Councillors from Northumberland County Council; 1
Councillor from North Tyneside Metropolitan borough Council and 11 MMO appointed
members plus 1 statutory member appointee from each of the Environment Agency,
Natural England and the Marine Organisations. Please see table below:
Name
Affiliation
Councillor GR Arckless (Chairman
L Weller (Vice Chairman)
Ms J McCormick
M Bould
Councillor T Brechany
Councillor B Douglas
S Douglas
Councillor Mrs J Fearon
Councillor D Lilly
Mrs C Hedley
D Herriott
N Jolliffe
D Ledger
W Miller
GW O’Connell
N Polunin
AB Ritchie
Dr C Scott
J Stephenson
J Walton
Councillor RJD Watkin
NCC
MMO appointee
EA representative
MMO appointee
NCC
NCC
MMO representative
NCC
NTMBC appointee
MMO appointee
MMO appointee
MMO appointee
NCC
MMO appointee
MMO appointee
MMO appointee
MMO appointee
NE representative
MMO appointee
MMO appointee
NCC
Since becoming NIFCA, we have been given greater powers under the Marine and Coastal
Access Act 2009, including being able to make Emergency Byelaws and issue Financial
Administrative Penalties (FAPs). There has also been an increase in the maximum fine for
1
For the exact definition of boundaries see the NIFCA website www.nifca.gov.uk
1
IFCA Byelaw offences from £5,000 to £50,000. IFCA officers work closely with other
organisations and agencies including being cross-warranted with the Environment Agency
and Tweed Commission. Also through the Marine Act, the Authority has the power to
enforce Byelaws, EU Regulations and Statutory Instruments not just in the Authority district
but also in the adjoining IFCA south of the River Tyne (North Eastern IFCA). We also work
closely with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) both at sea and on shore-based
patrols and also we liaise and work with Natural England (NE) especially up at the
Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. On occasions some organisations will charter the
Authority patrol vessel St Oswald or the shore-based Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) Bravo 1.
The St Oswald has been chartered by Newcastle University to carry out survey work on a
number of occasions, mainly to try and assess the shellfish stocks within the NIFCA district.
Dr Martin Kitching from the North East
Cetacean Project has also come out on
a number of occasions with fellow
surveyors spotting and recording
sightings of Dolphins, Porpoise and
Whales. In August 2012 they chartered
the patrol vessel visit the Farne Deeps
looking to sight White Beaked Dolphins.
Also on board was the film crew from
the BBC ‘Inside Out’ television
programme and 32 White Beaked
Dolphins, numerous Harbour Porpoises
and 2 Minke Whales were seen.
White Beaked Dolphins
Throughout 2012 as well as NIFCA all the other IFCAs were involved with CEFAS in a
project ‘Sea Angling 2012’. This involved one of the Authority IFCOs going out with an
independent surveyor and interviewing shore and recreational boat anglers. The
Northumberland IFCA has decided to continue with its own recreational sea angling survey
in 2013-2014 which will mean working closely with our local Recreational Sea Angling (RSA)
fraternity which are very proactive and helpful when speaking with officers. Surveys will be
undertaken at various locations throughout the Authority’s district each month, on both shore
and boat anglers. Hopefully soon there will also be an opportunity to carry out the survey
on-line, www.nifca.gov.uk.
Structure of the Authority 2012
At the Authority Office:
Chief Executive
Administrative Officer
Secretary (part-time)
Secretary (part-time)
Finance Officer (part-time)
Assistant Finance Officer (part-time)
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Michael Hardy
Pearl Richards
Deborah Carr
Carole Blair
Julian Sutton
Patricia Temperley
In 2012-13 the Authority employed 7 full-time Inshore Fisheries & Conservation
Officers (IFCOs) and 1 part-time IFCO as follows:
Chief IFCO (Operations)
Deputy Chief IFCO (Operations)
Deputy Chief IFCO (Environmental)
IFCO/Engineer
IFCO
IFCO (Environmental)
IFCO
IFCO (part-time)
Al Browne
Mark Southerton
Jonathan Green
Justin Cooke
Michael Docherty
Jodie Royle
Darren Graham
Eric Balsdon
The main duties of the Authority IFCOs in respect
of enforcement is the day to day practical
application of fisheries legislation This includes
educating commercial fishermen, part-time
recreational fishers and the general public about
the Authority’s byelaws, EU legislation and
Statutory Instruments.
Whilst carrying out shore patrols IFCO’s will
normally work in pairs but can work as a larger
team if necessary. They will visit the main ports,
secondary ports and any other site in the district
where fishing activities take place and will advise
The Authority IFCOs Team 2012-13
and speak to the public and fishermen, inspect
landings from fishermen, hobby/recreational fishers and the general public to ensure they
comply with regulations. They also inspect shore-gatherers divers, anglers, wholesalers,
shops, public houses, restaurants, vehicles and boats. The Authority’s district is divided into
two: a Northern Sector from the English/Scottish border to Amble with IFCO D Graham
being the main point of contact and in the south from Amble to the Tyne where Deputy Chief
IFCO (Operations) M Southerton is the main point of contact. The most prosecuted type of
fishery in the NIFCA district is potting for Lobster (Homarus gammarus), Brown Edible Crab
(Cancer pagurus), Velvet Crab (Liocarcinus (= Necora) puber) and in the winter months
prawns (Nephrops norvegicus). Approximately 120 fishermen have Shellfish Permits issued
by the Authority (they can only apply for a shellfish permit if they have a National Shellfish
Entitlement issued by MMO) which entitles them to up to 800 Yellow tags to put onto their
lobster pots. There are also approximately 450 recreational/hobby fishermen who have
applied for a permitted maximum of 5 White tags. It is necessary for all pots, creels, traps or
cages placed in the sea within the NIFCA district have to have a tag attached and it is in
breach of byelaw 152 not to have tags attached to such gear.
2
For the exact definition of byelaw see the NIFCA website www.nifca.gov.uk
3
As mentioned previously the Authority’s
officers are cross warranted with the
Environment
Agency
and
Tweed
Commission. This allows officers to take
action if when on patrol they uncover any
offences relating to Fresh Water Fish and or
Migratory Fish.
Since becoming crosswarranted with the other agencies a number
of joint enforcement operations have been
carried out involving officers from both
agencies with some very good results. Also
regular joint operations are carried out with
the Marine Management Organisation who
on occasions charter the Authority’s Patrol vessel St Oswald, Delta 1 and Bravo 1, so they
can enforce their regulations within the 6 miles as well as out to our operational limit of 20
miles. Twice a year Northumberland IFCA, North Eastern IFCA, Marine Management
Organisation (MMO) (both Northern and Yorkshire), Environment Agency (EA) (both
Northumbria and North Yorkshire), Tweed Commission, and the Northumbria Marine Police,
arrange a Joint Enforcement Meeting for their senior staff to discuss previous multi agency
joint working, share intelligence and organise future joint operations. NIFCA produces a
monthly Rota which is sent to all relevant organisations and agencies to inform them of the
Authority’s proposed vessel movements and officer movements for the following month.
Also, each month all NIFCA officers (and the Chief Executive when possible) meet to
discuss enforcement issues during the previous month and what likely issues may occur in
the following month. They also discuss any intelligence received, what action needs to be
taken and where dedicated resources should be deployed. All intelligence is shared
between officers and other relevant organisations.
Joint Working, Charter by MMO
As well as carrying out shore patrols and various other tasks, all the officers are trained to
crew the Authority’s vessels, St Oswald (Patrol Vessel), Delta 1 (RIB) and Bravo 1 (shorebased RIB). Most officers are qualified to RYA Advance Power-boat (Commercial
Endorsed), and are able to skipper/coxswain all the vessels. The St Oswald is a 21 metre
steel single hulled, twin engine, fully displaced vessel capable of patrolling from its berth at
Royal Quays Marina, North Shields (on the River Tyne) to the English/Scottish Border and
out to 20 miles (the Authority’s district is only out to 6 miles). The vessel has a 6 metre RIB
Delta 1 stored in the stern of the vessel and can be easily launched and deployed to inspect
and board boats as well as hauling and inspecting fishing gear.
Whilst patrolling at sea the St Oswald
needs a minimum of 3 officers onboard to man the vessel safely and if
they want to deploy Delta 1 a minimum
of 4 is necessary. Whilst at sea IFCOs
record all sightings of fishing vessels,
recreational boats, angling boats and
dive boats within the district, and all
the data gathered is sent to the MMO
through the Monitoring and Control
Surveillance System (MCSS). Officers
also ensure that only vessels, which
are permitted to fish in certain parts of
The Authority’s 21 metre Patrol vessel St Oswald
the Authority’s district, have the
relevant permits and licences are
prosecuting the fisheries. If weather permits the officers regularly launch the Authority’s 6
4
metre RIB Delta 1 which is housed in the stern of the St Oswald and will board all types of
fishing vessels and recreational boats and check their catches and documentation, they also
inspect static gear close inshore with Delta 1 and further offshore with St Oswald to ensure
gear is correctly marked and tagged. If gear is not correctly marked or if pots, creels, traps
or cages are not tagged then they will be seized.
The Authority also has a 7 metre RIB Bravo 1
which is kept at the Authority’s office at
Cramlington; and can be deployed from
numerous sites up and down the Authority’s
district. This RIB works independently and is
a very good tool for targeting specific vessels
or areas throughout the district and has the
capability to work close inshore; it is also very
manoeuvrable, quick and effective. Both
Delta 1 and Bravo 1 are also used to patrol
up estuaries and rivers to the National Tidal
Limit (NTL) looking for any breaches in
Legislation or Byelaw offences.
Launching Bravo 1 at Cullercoats Harbour
THE NIFCA DISTRICT
The district is made up of 5 main fishing ports North Shields, Blyth, Amble, Seahouses and
Berwick. The remaining secondary fishing stations in the district are Cullercoats, Seaton
Sluice, Newbiggin by the Sea, Boulmer, Craster, Newton, Beadnell and Holy Island. There
are a number of other boat launching sites within the district, these are mainly used by
recreational/hobby and boat anglers; access is either tidal (in harbours), moorings or tractor
launched from the shore.
North Shields
In 2012 there were nine potting boats fishing from this port at some point during the year,
from either the Fish Quay at North Shields or the Royal Quays Marina (approximately 2
miles upriver from the River entrance) all of which are under 10 metres in length. The
number of vessels fishing all year round is probably only half this number as some will only
fish in the summer months when the lobsters are plentiful. Three of these vessels fish south
of the Tyne outside the NIFCA district.
Thirteen trawlers fish from this port, this is made up of around six under 10 metres with the
remainder over 10 metres. This number decreases during the summer months when some
of these boats move up to Scotland and fish from either Eyemouth or further north off the
Firth of Forth. However by September all of the boats return, eagerly waiting for the winter
prawn fishery to start. This of course means that as well as the local fleet, up to 25 (and
possibly more in some years) visiting boats from Northern Ireland, Scotland, the West Coast
and North Yorkshire will work from the port - all targeting prawns. Most of the visiting boats
are larger trawlers who work more than 1 net (multi-rigging) and are not allowed to fish within
the NIFCA district.
Cullercoats
Only one boat works throughout the year from this small harbour, potting and gill-netting in
the winter and then in the summer months between 26th March and 31st August he works his
beach net targeting Salmon and Sea Trout. The other two small inshore boats only work in
the summer months targeting mainly lobsters. This is a beach-launched site so is very
5
weather-dependent for launching and recovery. Throughout the summer months it is also a
very popular site for recreational sea anglers and divers to come and launch their boats and
RIBs; and can also be very busy with jet-skis.
Seaton Sluice
Only one vessel fishes commercially from this tidal harbour, targeting lobsters and crabs in
the summer and on occasions he sets his gill-nets targeting Cod. Recreational boat fishing
is very popular from here especially in the summer months and during the finer weather.
Some boats are moored in the harbour and others launch from the slip on the north side of
the harbour daily.
Blyth
Twelve potting boats fished from this port during 2012, the majority being under 10 metres in
length, all of which target both crabs and lobsters in the winter months and some also put
their prawn pots in to target the larger prawns. In the summer they all target lobsters,
normally placing their pots as close inshore as possible to maximise catches. A couple of
these boats also have Drift and Beach Licences to fish for Salmon and Sea Trout in the
summer.
Ten local trawlers fish from here during the year, three of which are over 10 metres in length.
As with North Shields a number of these boats will move up to Scotland for the summer
targeting the summer prawn fishery and then move back down to their home port by
September, to hopefully target the winter prawn fishery close to home. There has been the
odd visiting larger trawler using this port but not as many as previous years.
Newbiggin by the Sea
Three traditional beach cobles work from this small
harbour/bay during the year. All have to be
launched and recovered daily which can cause
problems due to the soft sand. They all target
lobsters and crabs throughout the year, but two
also target prawns in the winter months. There is
also a public slip at the north end of the beach
which is very popular with recreational sea
anglers, divers and small pleasure craft in the
summer months. Shore gathering, recreational
potting from the rocks and angling are also very
Sean Henry Sculpture Newbiggin by the sea
popular throughout the year. Coal gathering from
the beach also takes place to the north of the harbour adjacent to Newbiggin Golf Course.
Cresswell
Only recreational fishing takes place from this station and this is all beach launched,
although due to the unsettled weather over the year, activity was very limited. Most activity
observed is by families rock pooling, with a little shore gathering for periwinkles and bait
digging over spring tides. Coal hand gathering is also seen during certain conditions on the
beach.
Hadston
A tractor-launched site, mostly used for recreational sea angling, although there is one
potting boats that works from this station in the summer only, targeting both lobsters and
crabs.
6
Amble
Dubbed “the friendliest port” Amble is one of the biggest in the way of commercial fishing in
the NIFCA district, access being limited as this is a tidal harbour. There were approximately
nine local trawlers working from here two of which are over 10 metres the remainder under.
These vessels tend to work daily around the tides for getting in and out of the port, targeting
fish in the summer and prawns in the winter months. The port also has around eighteen
potting boats, the majority of which work all year round targeting lobsters, brown crab and
velvet crabs. There are also a number of fishermen from here who have either Drift-net or
Beach-net licences (2 drift and 5 beach) which they work in the summer months. The port
also has a fairly busy marina and there is a small slipway to allow public launching for
recreational users.
Boulmer
There are three potting boats that work from this station throughout the year, targeting both
lobsters and crabs. However they all hold beach-net licences as well, one having 2 licences
(father & son). They work their nets from north of Amble pier up to Alnmouth with their pots
usually being landed for a short period in the summer while they prosecute the Salmon and
Sea Trout fishery. However poor catches this year resulted in pots being worked
consistently throughout the year.
Craster
There were two commercial boats working from here both owned by the same family. In the
summer months and the finer weather usually one boat will be used as a charter boat taking
boat anglers out for the day, whilst the other boat is used to for potting. Both boats are
registered for fishing and they alternate between the two activities. This year they
purchased another purpose-built boat for taking out anglers only. There are a few
recreational fishers, mostly anglers, who launch from here in the summer but due to the size
of the harbour and it being tidal, this activity is generally low.
Newton by the Sea
This pleasant beach/cove is offered protection from the Emblestone Reefs which surround
this area to some extent. There are around 15 moorings used in the summer but only one
commercial potting boat, working from June until September. The remainder is made up of
recreational angling and sailing craft. Moored vessels are reached by trolley-launched
tenders.
Beadnell
Beadnell is unusually known as the only west facing harbour on the east coast of England.
This station has only three potting boats working from here and, as with many other small
harbours, this one is no different as it dries out at low water restricting fishing time.
Throughout the year all three boats target both lobsters and crabs. The three beach-net
licensees take turns to place their nets at the different stations in the summer months,
targeting mainly Sea Trout and the odd Salmon. In the summer months, especially
weekends and Bank Holidays, this small peaceful harbour and adjacent beach can become
very busy with divers and their boats, RIBs, jet-skis, recreational boat anglers and pleasure
craft all being launched from the main car park in the village. Shore diving is also popular;
with diving schools and enthusiasts alike and occurs on the foreshore adjacent to the main
road. Clear water during settled conditions and a number of reefs running out offer
protection from the currents making it an ideal location for this activity.
7
Seahouses
A change in fishing opportunities has seen the
trawling fleet reduced to its current number of
three, with the main fisheries now being potting for
lobsters and crabs. Of the remaining trawlers one
vessel fishes from either Eyemouth in the summer
months or North Shields during the winter months.
The remaining two vessels predominantly pot, but
have the capability to either scallop dredge or
trawl.
There were eleven boats potting from this very
popular fishing harbour during the year for both
lobsters and crabs, a number of these boats will also charter out their boats for angling,
diving and tourist trips during the summer months.
Farne Islands
There is also one beach licence worked from the netting station just outside the harbour.
The harbour is also popular with divers and party boats run from April to October due to its
location in close proximity to the Farne Islands renowned for their rich bird life, grey seal
colony and numerous wrecks.
Holy Island
The Island is home to six potting boats which work throughout the year - the main target
species being lobsters, brown and velvet crabs. There are also two beach licences worked
from this station during the summer months.
Berwick upon Tweed
There are five full-time commercial potting boats fishing from this port throughout the year
targeting lobsters and crabs. One of these vessels, as well as using pots to catch lobsters
also works tangle nets mainly offshore targeting larger sized lobsters. There is also one
angling charter boat working from here mainly in the summer months.
Burnmouth/Eyemouth
There are a number of boats from these ports in South East Scotland which work in the
NIFCA district as well as in Scotland. All have shellfish permits and tags issued by the
Authority and all target both lobsters and crabs. Under the Marine Act 2009, NIFCA officers
have powers to continue patrolling when at sea over the border into Scotland whilst in ‘hot
pursuit’ if they believe an offence has been committed, to inspect a boat that has been
working inside the Authority’s district.
8
TYPES OF SEASONAL FISHING
MOBILE FISHING
The main mobile fishing method inside the NIFCA
district is trawling, this is mainly to target the
Nephrop fishery, but there is also a by-catch of
whitefish landed, mainly Cod, Haddock and
Whiting with a mix of Flatfish Plaice, Dab, Witch
and Lemon Sole. Most trawling activity occurs in
the southern sector of the district from Boulmer
and to the South. There is a very small scallop
dredge fishery which takes place sporadically,
and is utilised by a couple of local boats with the
main area fished being between Boulmer and
Craster, NIFCA also has a Byelaw No. 12
‘Dredges’ which limits the amount of dredges to
Modern Under 10m Local Trawler
a maximum of 10 per vessel. There are trawling
restrictions within the NIFCA district for inside the 3 mile zone- which is by permit only and
restricted to vessels below 11.59 metres. The 3 to 6 mile zone is restricted to vessels below
24 metre in length. Fishing methods are also controlled with NIFCA Byelaw ‘14 Multirigging, Pair Trawling and Pair Seining’ prohibiting any type of fishing within the
Authority’s district using any of these methods.
January to March 2012
As ever there are never two years the same in the fishing industry and 2012 was no different
which was apparent at the very start of the year with quite reasonable weather conditions
and a lack of sea winds which meant fewer fishing days were lost. Nephrop catches from
the trawl fleet were actually greater than for the last quarter of 2011, which is unusual in itself
but combined with good prices this fishery proved very lucrative. Visiting boats which had
returned to their home ports for the Christmas holiday period came back to take advantage
of this extended nephrop fishery. Most fishing took place outside the NIFCA district east of
the Tyne and away up north to the Farne Deeps; however there were a few trawlers working
inside the district, mostly local under 10 metre boats fishing when conditions were unsuitable
for offshore fishing. Trawling activity within the district is mainly conducted from Boulmer south to the river Tyne. Although nephrop fishing extends to the Farne Deeps to the north
this is outside of the NIFCA district extending to around 25 mile offshore. The main ports for
where trawlers work from are North Shields, Blyth and Amble.
April to June
By April the local prawn fishery had ended and some of the local boats began their move up
to grounds off Eyemouth or further north to the Firth of Forth. The remaining local trawlers
put in a few days a week for whitefish, most of which were Haddock and Whiting; however
the problem for the under 10 metre fleet is the lack of quota for these species. The result of
this was that boats were tied up in harbour on numerous occasions throughout the summer
months. However, there was a short period when the nephrop fishery returned to the
Northumberland coast in June when a few of the remaining boats started fishing between
dusk and dawn, which was the only time they were catching any prawns.
9
July to September
The majority of the local fleet were fishing to the north of the NIFCA district and enjoying a
summer prawn fishery from the Eyemouth grounds. Catches were reported as moderate
and comments were being made about an increase of multi rig trawlers from Fraserburgh
and Peterhead working alongside the small single rigged boats. By early September all the
local trawlers were back at their home ports and there was a gradual increase in the number
of visiting vessels up to around 30, most of which were working from the port of North
Shields
October to December
With the annual nephrops fishery in full swing, catches were reasonable when tides were
favourable. Poor weather was a dominant feature during the last quarter of the year with the
first winter storms battering the Northumberland coast and the local boats and the larger
visiting vessels spent numerous days tied up waiting for a break in the weather. When
conditions abated and the boats put to sea, landings were fairly good with averages of 8 to
10 boxes of prawns landed. There were some bigger landings made when conditions were
ideal, landings of 40 plus boxes were put ashore from the better fishers. Prices of prawns
had been lower than the last few seasons and this has again been put down to European
markets being depressed.
SCALLOP DREDGING
Small scale scallop dredging has taken
place this year involving 3 local under 10
metre boats, the main reason being to plug
the gap in the nephrop fishery when catches
were poor. Most scallop fishing took place off
the Dunstanburgh grounds, but poor catches
together with low meat content seen this
fishery only perused for a couple of days
sporadically throughout the year. No visiting
scallop dredgers were sighted fishing in the
district during 2012.
Local Under 10m Scallop Dredger
Dredger
10
STATIC FISHING
Static fishing is the main method of fishing within the district and lobster and brown crab are
the main target species year round, this is mainly done utilising double eyed parlour pots
mesh size will be dependent if velvet crabs
are a targeted species or not, there is also a
small creel caught nephrop fishery within
the district, this occurs from Amble and
south down to the Tyne, two vessels from
Seahouses occasionally work prawn creels
but this is further offshore outside the
NIFCA district.
There are approximately
120 shellfish permits were issued to
commercial fishermen in 2012 to vessels
ranging from 2.45 to 12 metres in length.
NIFCA have Byelaw 15 ‘Pot Limitation’ in
place limiting the number of pots to be
Modern Local Potting Boat
fished to a maximum of 800 pots per vessel.
Potting vessels range from traditional beach-launched cobles to modern fibre glass fast
planning vessels or even multi hull catamarans as the larger deck space provides greater
safe working areas. Virtually all these are mostly open vessels are crewed by either 1 to 2
fishermen. Most potting activity occurs within the NIFCA district, however a number of
vessels now fish further offshore outside the NIFCA district mainly targeting the brown crab
fishery. There had been a big increase in the number of wolf fish being landed during the
summer time, these were mostly caught in large lobster pots, with up to 5 boxes being
landed from one or two boats, again in the southern part of the district, fishermen have
commented that they haven’t seen them in these numbers before.
January to March
The potting calendar generally starts with gear being fished offshore in deeper water where
hopefully it will be protected from the rough sea conditions normally associated with the
North Sea at this time of the year. Main catches would be brown crab, especially after
unsettled sea conditions, although lobster catches are generally low but of a better quality in
size.
Conditions in the first quarter were unusually fine with fewer sea winds as predominately
winds were from the south west, south east winds at the latter end of March combined with
unusually warm land temperatures resulted in coastal fog forming in the district, hampering
fishing activity. Potting during the first quarter was restricted with boats working around 3
days per week to maximise catches while the minimising fuel used. Catches of brown crab
were lower as a result of the lack of heavy seas. Lobster catches dropped as expected, but
not to the usual lows and in fact landings still remained mostly in double figures. Spells of
fine weather had fishermen moving their pots back into the shallower inshore areas looking
for lobsters, where there were some very good landings for the time of year with averages of
25. Quite a few landings were far higher with up to 100 lobsters being landed after a couple
of days stand.
A few fishermen worked prawn creels and had good catches ranging from 6 to 14 trays with
high prices paid for the quality of nephrops landed. This fishery is targeted for a few months
of the year, generally at either the beginning or latter end of the year, when lobster landings
are low.
11
April to June
Unsettled and wet were the two words used to describe the weather during the second
quarter. April had been fairly dry with unusually high temperatures; winds as expected had
been off the sea. Usually conditions would improve as the quarter progressed, but not this
year as during May winds were still blowing off the sea with heavy rain showers being the
dominant feature along with coastal fog. Conditions worsened in June with average wind
speeds greater and very heavy rainfall causing local flooding. All rivers were in spate
causing vast swathes of fresh water and river debris coming from the main rivers in the
district. Royal Quays Marina recorded over 50 mm of rain in one rainstorm alone.
Fishing activity during this period was quiet as traditionally fishermen haul would be hauling
out their boats to be painted and carry out maintenance in preparation for the summer
lobster fishery.
The sea winds had helped the brown crab fishery with some reasonable catches being
landed. Catches did fall away and the fresh water could have been a factor behind that.
Lobster catches were still in double figures fishermen occasionally worked gear inshore
when conditions allowed and landings improved as a result, with average landings often over
50 lobsters. Very few velvet crabs were landed due to most fishermen having their pots
further offshore.
July to September
Again this was another unsettled quarter for the district with below average air temperatures
and heavy rainfall causing local flooding within the district. Despite the unsettled weather
Fishing activity during this quarter was particularly busy especially for the potting fleet which
had been reaping the benefits of another successful lobster season with catches generally
increasing from early July onwards, landings were still very good just prior to the end of
September.
In July all boats were working close inshore, where the bulk of the lobsters were being
caught and all of the rocks and reefs were fished hard with fishermen only moving gear off in
to deeper water when any unsettled weather was forecast. Landings were between 30 and
100 lobsters, although landings in the northern sector were greater with larger averages and
high catches of 600 lobsters per day being landed from a few boats. Landings increased as
the month progressed and already there was talk of weekend closures on lobster fishing to
try and alleviate supply as wholesalers struggled with the volumes of lobsters landed, a little
unsettled weather reduced landings enough for boats to remain fishing at will, taking
advantage of the season underway. Catches peaked late August and in to September with
reports of 400 lobsters landed by one or two boats, but generally most were in to the high
100s.
Brown crab catches during the quarter were low as most gear had been set inshore;
landings were limited to the odd few stone. This continued, with the exception of one or two
landings when gear was worked further offshore over spells of sea winds when landings of
up to 4 boxes were landed.
Velvet crab landings had virtually all been stopped, one wholesaler had up to 5 ton of crab
frozen unable to move shellfish over to Spain with the economic difficulties experienced and
unfortunately not buying any more until the situation changes. Few velvet crabs were still
being landed in to wholesalers in the Northern part of the district.
12
October to December
Weather conditions during the last quarter were unsettled for the time of year. October
conditions were reasonable with winds mostly from the west and heavy rain was
experienced on numerous occasions during the quarter. The first autumn/winter storms
produced heavy easterly swells in late October/early November into December, severely
hampering the potting fleet as a significant amount of gear was still being fished inshore due
to favourable lobster catches. However, gear left inshore was battered by the huge seas
and nearly all fishermen reported gear damage and some losses, with large numbers of pots
bunched up and scrubbed. Plenty of evidence of damaged fishing gear has been seen
washed up on the beaches along the coastline.
In general this quarter was a gradual wind-down from the summer lobster fishery. Potting
during this final quarter had been quite productive with lobsters being landed in good
numbers throughout the district. Catches dropped a little by mid quarter as gear was being
moved further offshore, where brown crab was being targeted. Average lobster catches
were around 60 with odd landings from a few boats still to be greater than 100 and, even by
mid-December, catches were still between 30 and 40 with occasional landings above that.
Prices of lobster were down on the same period last year, due to the European markets
where virtually all the locally-caught lobsters are sold. As the quarter progressed the prices
for lobster increased peaking just prior to the Christmas holidays, when they reached a
respectable £19 per kg.
Brown crab catches increased as the quarter progressed, especially as more fishermen
were moving gear into deeper water, with quite a few of these boats now working outside the
NIFCA district fishing out to 12 miles from port. Catches were around 4 boxes after a couple
of days’ stand; however there have been landings of up to 38 boxes’ in November.
Fishermen commented on the good numbers of white crab being caught (these are crabs
that have recently moulted and are returned to the sea). A number of boats throughout the
Authority’s district were working prawn pots/creels, but catches were low with only a tray or
two landed, although the quality of these prawns was very good.
GILL NETTING
Gill netting was pursued over the most suitable of conditions, generally outside the main
lobster season and in the southern part of the district from Newbiggin by the Sea,
southwards. This method of fishing had been generally poor early in the year with only a
box or two of mixed fish being landed; the best catches were seen late November early
December with 3 to 4 boxes of good quality Cod being landed normally after rough seas. A
number of boats once again down in the southern end of the Authority’s district set bottom
nets mainly targeting flatfish which they were keeping for themselves to use as pot bait.
SALMONIDS
The season for taking Sea Trout using beach nets began on the 26th March. The last two
seasons had been very productive, therefore fishermen with licences were eager to start the
2012 season. Weather conditions made fishing from the beach almost impossible as there
had been a lot of surf running on to the beaches, together with very heavy rainfall. It wasn’t
until almost mid-June before the beaches were able to be worked for any length of time.
13
Drift netting is permitted for Salmon and Sea
Trout from the 1st of June each year and
those with licences to work this fishery were
again eager to start. Wind conditions were
favourable, as fishers prefer winds from the
north and a slight north-north-easterly swell to
help improve catches. However the amount
of rainfall over May and June resulted in an
awful start with very little fish taken and boats
were working further offshore to get clear of
the fresh water from the rivers but even this
had little effect with catches of between 1 and
Beach Netting Beadnell Bay
8 fish per day. A small number of Benito
`2Tuna Fish was caught as a by-catch, with reports of up to 25 for the season. There were
also two unusual catches of shark both Porbeagles one taken in a drift net and returned
alive, the other caught in a gill-net and unfortunately had died.
The season ended on the last day of August with salmon fishermen saying the end couldn’t
come quick enough! It was a very poor season mostly due to unsuitable weather conditions
with heavy rain during most of the time resulting in the rivers being in spate conditions.
Beach fishing in the southern sector did have some reasonable days but this mode of fishing
was seriously hampered with high surf running on the beaches. Catches had been so poor
only a few licence holders fished until the end of the season, with most pursuing lobster
potting or prawn fishing which had been more financially rewarding.
RECREATIONAL FISHING
Recreational fishing includes angling from boats or from the shore and shore gathering
(cleekers) for marine species such as periwinkles, lobsters, brown crab, green shore crabs
and lugworms and ragworms. Other forms of recreational fishing are from diving, which
again can be done from the shore or from a boat.
Recreational fishing is an important popular activity within the NIFCA district, the main forms
of which, with the exception of angling and worm collecting, generally takes place from
March to October with very little activity seen outside of this time period. Spring tides are the
most common times for these activities which are generally over rocky intertidal reefs.
Worm digging or pumping for angling bait occurs in a few sites within the district and again
generally activity occurs over spring tides with most activity seen from September to April.
Main locations are Berwick beach, Boulmer, Hauxley, Cresswell, Blyth Estuary and Whitley
Bay. Shore gathering for green crabs generally occurs in the estuaries of the Tyne and Blyth
from set car tyres accessed at low tides from around April to July when the water
temperature rises slightly.
Shore fishing is popular all year round with different tactics/species/locations for the time of
year. At the start of the year (and the colder weather) shore anglers like rough ground for
fishing or from the piers at Blyth, Tynemouth and Amble. Most rocky outcrops and reefs are
popular at this time of year, where the main species targeted are Cod, Saithe and Whiting,
and fishing also takes place also in the bigger estuaries the Tyne and Blyth for the same
species. The most favourable conditions are after a heavy sea when best catches are taken
when some up to double figure weight fish are landed.
Fishing over the finer months is generally from the beaches and estuaries and target species
will be Flounder, Plaice and Whiting. Rock marks are fished for Saithe and occasionally
14
Pollock and Wrasse which can be caught from reefs around St Marys Island, Newbiggin and
Craster or anywhere with access to deep water from rocky outcrops.
The summer months attract large numbers of recreational fishers especially from the piers or
rocky outcrops, where Mackerel are taken in good numbers especially early morning and
late evening when these are targeted with lighter fishing gear on either lures or coloured
feathers.
The first of the autumn storms again see the rock marks fished as anglers start the new
winter cod season.
Boat angling was weather-dependent through the year with some reasonable catches from
May onwards when most fishing took place off the main harbours in the district with most
activity seen from Boulmer south to the Tyne. Some reasonably good catches of Codling
and Ling were seen from St Marys to Blyth, then a little further from Newbiggin by the Sea to
Amble, with less fishing effort seen north of Amble with only odd sightings beyond this. Most
boat anglers commented on the lack of opportunity during the year down to the weather
conditions.
Kayak fishing has become a regular sight from Cambois to Tynemouth with numbers
increasing from the previous year
Shore gathering (cleeking) for shellfish predominantly occurs over the spring tides in a
number of locations throughout the district. Regular inspections are carried out at all the
known hot spots, with virtually all persons aware of restrictions for removing shellfish within
the NIFCA district.
Numbers of people seen diving were lower than usual and again this was due to the
unsuitable conditions and of the divers seen none had collected shellfish. Main locations are
from boat are Cullercoats, River Tyne, Amble, Beadnell and Seahouses. Shore diving is
most popular from Cullercoats, Whitley Bay, St Marys Island, Craster and Beadnell. Once
again most divers are aware of the restrictions and most Dive Clubs have their own rules
forbidding any of their members from removing any shellfish from the sea.
ENVIRONMENTAL
LOBSTER V-NOTCHING SCHEME 2012
Brief Summary
The 2012 V-notching project started on
Friday 27th July and was completed by
Monday 10th September. In total 1,334
female lobsters were released back into
the sea. A total of 12 separate releases
were made throughout the Authority’s 5
sectors on six separate patrol days using
either the Authority’s patrol vessel St
Oswald or Bravo 1 the shore based Rigid
Inflatable Boat (RIB).
The total costs for lobsters this year came
to £8,406.75 and were purchased by
IFCA Officer V-Notching a Lobster
Authority officers from Berwick Shellfish
Company, Blyth Fish Ltd, and Moir Seafoods of North Shields. The officers were able to buy
15
the lobsters from the wholesalers when they were most plentiful and prices were at their
lowest. Once again we have to give a big thank you to the 3 wholesalers as without their
help, it would be very difficult for the programme to continue. The quality of the lobsters
purchased has been excellent and there were no reported fatalities in transportation or when
released back into the sea. We are also often in receipt of donations from fishermen
throughout the Authority’s district, all of which are voluntary which is a great help towards the
continuation of the scheme as donations from other sources are becoming very difficult to
obtain.
ANNUAL MUSSEL SURVEY
INTRODUCTION
The edible mussel (Mytilus edulis) is one of
the most common shore animals and can be
found on most rocky shores in Europe. They
form vast beds on sand and mudflats and in
estuaries and attach themselves to rocks,
pebbles and other mussels by secreting silky
threads known as byssus threads. They filterfeed on plankton and organic matter in the
water column.
The surveys are of the natural population of
mussels (Mytilus edulis) on the large bed
Volunteers assisting Mussel Survey
located on Fenham Flats, adjacent to Holy
Island, and are undertaken in order to estimate the size of the mussel stock. The objective
of this stock assessment was to inform fishery managers of the size of the stock in order to
allow any potential fishery to be managed in a sustainable way.
METHOD
The outer edges of the bed were mapped using the tracking facility of a hand-held GPS. The
percentage cover of mussels on the bed (i.e. the proportion of the bed covered by patches of
mussels) was estimated using the method developed by DEFRA (Walker and Nicholson,
1986). During the survey random samples of mussels where analysed from 10 locations
from which it is then possible to estimate the total numbers and weight of mussels on the
site. It also provides an opportunity to assess the population dynamics.
DISCUSSION
In 2011 stocks of mussels were at the lowest at 3863 tonnes since 2006 when the first
survey was undertaken. The best year to date was 2008 when there was an estimated 6022
tonnes of mussels on the site. While the 2011 results were disappointing the reduction in
quantities of mussels had been predicted through the on-going monitoring of the age of
mussels at the site. Recruitment of juveniles during the last few years has been promising
and it is predicted that in 2012 there should be a large percentage of mature mussels on the
site.
For more information visit the NIFCA web site where full details of all the mussel surveys
undertaken can be found.
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FISH SURVEYS 2012
FISH SURVEYS OF THE COQUET ESTUARY ON 14TH & 15TH MAY AND
2ND AND 3RD OCTOBER 2012
Deputy Chief Fishery Officer (Environmental) J Green and other officers assisted in two
estuarine fish surveys on the Coquet during 2012.
These surveys were conducted by Colclough & Coates - SC2 Limited, who is a client of
Northumberland Water as part of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Hydrology and
Ecology Investigation. Over each two-day period the surveys were carried out and were
based on a number of sample stations from the estuary mouth towards the Coquet tidal limit.
The first station was in the lower reaches of the estuary opposite the slipway, the second
station was above the first weir between Amble and Warkworth, and the third was in
Warkworth towards the end of the tidal limit.
The October survey ran into some difficulties on day 2 when some surveying could not be
undertaken due to high amounts of fresh water in the river.
Depending on the station, up to 3 surveying techniques were employed: Beam Trawling,
Seine Netting and Fyke Netting - the most successful in terms of capture rates proved to be
the seine net. A good range of species were caught including; Salmon Smolt, Sandeel,
Sand Smelt, Common Gobies, Sticklebacks, and Flounder.
In addition to the fish sampling, a survey of the benthos was also conducted at the 3 stations
by a PhD student from Durham University during the May survey. This survey utilised grab
sampling, from which the sediment was rinsed and passed through a fine sieve, the
remaining benthic material was then taken away for further analysis.
SURVEY OF THE TWEED 23RD- AND 24TH MAY 2012
This survey was conducted by the Environment
Agency along the same lines as that on the Coquet
and involved Seine Netting in 3 locations (the lower
site was near the mouth of the Tweed and the upper
sites were opposite the harbour and downstream
from the A1) and Fyke Netting and Beam Trawling
into the 2 lower locations. Catches included
Flounder, Sticklebacks, Gobies and Pollock.
IFCOs Assisting, EA with Fish Survey
17
PILOT JUVENILE/SMALL FISH SURVEY ALN ESTUARY JULY 2012
It was felt for a number of reasons that a juvenile/small fish survey should be carried out on
the estuary of the Aln, not least as it has been
proposed as a Marine Conservation Zone due to
the localised habitat. It is believed that no similar
survey has been carried out at the location and
therefore there is a lack of knowledge about
what fish species inhabit the estuary and of
what importance it plays as a nursery area.
While this survey wasonly be a trial, future
surveys will provide a baseline to improve this
knowledge and understanding. NIFCA is the
appropriate authority to carry out this survey due
to the new responsibilities that have come about
IFCOs carrying out Aln Fish Survey
from the Marine Act.
This was a pilot survey to familiarise the Inshore Fishery and Conservation Officers (IFCOs)
with surveying techniques and to identify a suitable location for future surveys. It is hoped
that two surveys will be conducted on the Aln Estuary every year, one in late spring and one
in early autumn (the next one is scheduled for September 2013). Two differing nets were
used in the survey the first being a beach seine net and the second two fyke nets.
The seine net is loaded onto a boat with one end of the net held on the shore. During
deployment the boat sets the net out in a semi-circle, returning the other end of the net back
to the shore. The two ends of the net are then hauled in towards the shore. The target
organisms for this method are pelagic and demersal fish species locations to obtain
information on the fish community present at the site
Fyke nets are a series of interconnecting nets with a one-way entry act to trap fish. They
are conical in shape with a D-shaped or circular opening held open by metal rings. A series
of In-scales move the fish from the opening of the net into the ‘cod-end’ of the fyke. They
are fixed with weights or anchors parallel to the shore (usually at low water) and allowed to
fish over an entire tide. The opening of the fyke net (mouth) is attached to a leader, which is
a length of net which is set in such a fashion to corral fish into the fyke mouth. Often fykes
are ‘paired’, which means that 2 fykes are attached to 1 leader. This allows the fyke to fish
on both the flood and ebb tide when placed parallel to the shore.



A total of 108 lesser Sandeels were caught with sizes ranging from 87 mm to
195 mm with average size of approximately 120 mm.
A total of 83 juvenile flounder were caught with sizes ranging from 25 mm to 50
mm with average size of approximately 36.5 mm
A total of 13 common gobies were caught with sizes ranging from 44 mm to 50
mm with average size of approximately 46.5 mm
MISCELLANEOUS
Seabed mapping for Natural England has been carried out throughout 2012 by St Oswald
utilising the Olex System.
In March 2012 Ph.D student Alex Caveen accompanied by an IFCA Officer visited a number
of ports within the NIFCA district and was introduced to local fishermen thus enabling him to
carry out surveys into the viewpoints and understanding of the MCZ procedure from the
fishermen’s perspective.
18
Throughout 2012 IFCO’ have been monitoring levels of bait digging especially within the
North Northumberland European Marine Site (EMS) and also in and around the Lindisfarne
National Nature Reserve where digging can only take place in designated areas.
Dan Skerritt from Newcastle University asked the Authority for assistance regarding his
project. The aim of the project is to establish density, proportionate distribution, size ranges
and recruitment of lobster providing valuable information to inform future studies and further
the sustainable management of the fishery by NIFCA, this project also aims to build on the
work Rachel Turner carried out in 2009.
The NIFCA Environmental Team along with the Authority’s Members have been closely
involved in Project Inshore an ambitious new initiative led by Seafish which was officially
launched on 8th June 2012, coinciding with World Oceans Day. The Fisheries Minster,
Richard Benyon noted at the time that Project Inshore “…should help to ensure that our
inshore fleet can continue to flourish, that fish stocks are managed sustainably and
our marine environment is given the protection it needs”. This 18 month project will
carry out Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) pre-assessments for an extensive range of
fisheries around the English coast. The result of these assessments will form the basis for
Strategic Sustainability Reviews for English Inshore Fisheries to provide a road map to guide
future management decisions. The funding for the project comes from a diverse range of
sources notably the European Fisheries Fund (EFF), the Sustainable Fisheries Fund and
industry (Seafish, UK retailers and processors). Other partners in the project include the
Marine Stewardship Council, Shellfish Association of Great Britain (SAGB) and Seaweb’s
Seafood Choices. The Authority is continually assisting and giving advice on this ongoing
project supplying data and local knowledge.
CAREERS FAIR AT NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY
ON 9 NOVEMBER 2012
This was attended by the Authority’s Environmental team: Deputy Chief IFCO
(Environmental) Jon Green and Environmental IFCO Jodie Royle and was the first such
event undertaken by NIFCA officers and proved to be a success in promoting NIFCA and
IFCAs in general. The morning was taken up with a series of school visits while the
afternoon was dedicated to graduates. A lot of interest was shown in the work of the IFCAs
and many requests for work were expressed, which included not only those looking for
permanent work but also for work experience placements and possibilities to carry out
research.
NIFCA continue to work very closely with Newcastle University, helping and assisting with a
number of projects. The University has on numerous occasions throughout the year
chartered the Authority’s Patrol Vessel St Oswald as well as Bravo 1 to carry out survey
work which led to a close working relationship forming between the Authority’s officers and
the students.
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SUMMARY OF INSPECTIONS
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF ENFORCEMENT
2008
2009 2010 2011
2012
Sea Patrols - PV
75
74
72
81
83
Sighting at Sea - PV
889
1,193
1023
1188
1187
Port Visits
N/A
N/A
752
776
830
Sea Patrols Cancelled
27
27
20
21
34
Sea Patrols RIBs
30
36
44
57
58
Boardings at Sea
124
126
147
141
166
Static Gear Checked
278
307
296
287
219
Inspections of Landings
592
531
326
317
315
Premises/Vehicles Inspected
215
127
77
68
60
Anglers
271
165
108
111
117
Divers
100
96
93
93
53
Cleekers
226
207
150
145
108
84/3
57/2
55
31
Inspection of Wholesalers/
Seized Gear Pots/Nets
Verbal Warning
29
21
36
33
33
Written Warning
14
11
8
5
5
Prosecutions
6
5
9
7
3
PROSECUTIONS 2012
There were numerous ‘Verbal Warnings’ given to both commercial and recreational
fishermen throughout the Authority’s district this year mainly for minor offences or ignorance
OF the laws.
5 ‘Written Warnings’ were handed out for slightly more serious offences but were still not too
severe to warrant a prosecution.
1 Financial Administrative Penalty (FAP) was issued this year, this is an opportunity to offer
the Skipper and Owner a FAP, if this is accepted and the set amount paid within 28 days
then there is no prosecution.
3 offences were reported to the Authority and taken to court see summaries below:
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CASE 1: MARDELL
On Wednesday 9th May 2012, Chief IFCO Browne and IFCOs Cooke, Graham and Docherty were
carrying out a sea patrol with the St Oswald and Delta 1. Chief IFCO Browne instructed the officers to
launch Delta 1 approximately 2 miles offshore (in the vicinity of Hadston), their orders were to check
static gear and vessels close inshore from Amble south. Whilst hauling gear the officers came across
markers with a fishing vessel’s name written on and when the pots were hauled a number were found
to be baited with undersized Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus) contrary to NIFCA Byelaw 9 ‘Prohibition
on Use of Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus) for Bait’. The officers were instructed to seize the pots with
the undersized bait in and to leave a notice informing the fisherman that NIFCA officers had taken his
gear and to contact the office. This operation was carried out on 2 more sets of pots and, out of 30
pots in total, 21 were found to be baited with undersized brown crab. Once again a letter was sent
out to the fisherman concerned and it was arranged for him to come to the Authority’s storage
container at Royal Quays Marina on Friday 18th May 2012 to identify his pots. Deputy Chief IFCO
Southerton took a statement from him and he was then given back his pots after signing a receipt.
Court Findings
Plea: Guilty.
Offence: Failure to comply with Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority
‘Byelaw 9’ by using Edible Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus) for Bait.
FINE: £300
Total costs £960
CASES 2 &3 ENA DOLAN
On Monday 23rd April 2012 Deputy Chief IFCO Southerton, IFCOs Graham, Royle and Docherty were
carrying out a routine sea patrol on-board the Authority’s Patrol Vessel St Oswald. Mr Southerton
instructed the officers to prepare the on-board Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) Delta 1 for launching. The
officers were then given their orders to check fishing activities and static gear close inshore whilst St
Oswald shadowed further offshore. IFCO Graham was Coxswain with IFCO Royle as Boarding
Officer. Approximately 15 minutes after they had launched Mr Southerton received a phone call from
IFCO Graham informing him that they had hauled and seized 10 pots from inside the River Tyne on
the North side within the NIFCA district. The reason being that there was no identification marks on
the surface floats, Contrary to Byelaw 11 “Marking of Fishing Gear and Keep Boxes” also after
hauling all 10 pots on-board Delta 1 officers carried out a closer inspection revealing that no NIFCA
Tags were attached. The 10 pots were transferred onto St Oswald and the officers resumed their sea
patrol. Once back in Royal Quays Marina the pots were tagged and placed in the Authority’s secure
steel container.
It was established that these pots belonged to a Mr Brian Fada the owner of the small fishing vessel
‘Ena Dolan’ SSS 680 this vessel which works out of the River Tyne. However, it was the skipper of
the vessel Mr Kenneth Gray who contacted the office. Once Mr Gray had confirmed the pots were
the ‘Ena Dolan’s’, Mr Southerton cautioned and interviewed him.
Court Findings
Both Skipper and Owner, Pleaded Guilty to:
(1) Failure to comply with Northumberland IFCA ‘Byelaw 11’ by failing to display identification marks
upon surface floats, and
(2) Failure to comply with Northumberland IFCA ‘Byelaw 15’ by fishing a fleet of 10 pots without
fixing to each pot a tag with serial number issued by the Chief Executive to the Authority.
FINE: Absolute Discharge
Total costs £450.00 (each)
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