The owner and skipper of Irish vessel ‘Lia Jan’ have been fined for inaccurate logbook keeping.
The owner, Denis O’Flaherty, has been ordered to pay over £10,667.25 in fines and costs, and the master, Paulo Meireles, has been fined £5,130, after they pleaded guilty to three offences.
The vessel was boarded on 31 May by marine enforcement officers from the HMS Tyne in the Celtic Sea (Area VIIg). The officers inspected both the logbook and fishroom, and estimated that the caught megrim and anglerfish had been significantly under-recorded. The vessel was detained to Newlyn for further investigation.
On 5 June, Truro Magistrates’ Court heard that between 25 May and 1 June the logbook was not completed accurately. When weighed ashore, the anglerfish was under-recorded by 61.92% (1,014.82 kg) and the megrim by 16.41% (180.48 kg). Cod sold on the Newlyn fish market revealed under-recording of 43.6% (183.14 kg).
The Marine Management Organisation says it recognises that the vast majority of the fishing industry is compliant with the rules that govern its commercial activities, but warns that where necessary it may take enforcement action which could result in a court appearance, potential fines for masters and owners, and forfeiture of equipment imposed by the court.
