Guilty Plea for breach of Bass Regulations
On 12th May at Furness & District Magistrates’ Court, Barrow-in-Furness, Mr. Christopher Knowles of Hawke Street, Barrow-in-Furness pleaded guilty to landing and retaining a significant number of European seabass, contrary to fisheries regulations created to protect the species.
On 16th October 2024, officers from the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA) inspected Mr. Knowles on a beach at the southern end of Walney Island. The inspection found Mr. Knowles in possession of 33 dead seabass, including one undersized, stored in two plastic bins. Officers determined that the bass had come from a beach net which had been set by Mr. Knowles.
In Court, Mr. Knowles was fined £1,346 for contravention of the bass regulations, reduced to £897 for his early guilty plea. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £359 and costs of £1,500. The fish were forfeited to the Authority for destruction.
Responding to the prosecution, NWIFCA’s Head of Enforcement, Joseph Moulton said “This investigation has made clear that NWIFCA will not tolerate any failure to abide by the regulations concerning the conservation of European seabass. This species is important environmentally and socio-economically for commercial and recreational fishers alike. NWIFCA officers produced a diligent and robust case for prosecution which achieved a significant outcome. The Authority remains committed to the protection of fish stocks and coastal fisheries ensuring healthy seas and a viable fishing industry.”
