Fishermen charged with some fisheries offences could face fixed penalty fines rather than a court appearance, a consultation from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) suggested last month.
The proposals would introduce a series of fixed levels of Financial Administrative Penalties (FAP) ranging from £200 to £2000, which an individual could choose to pay in place of criminal court proceedings.
The system would improve enforcement by providing a way of imposing sanctions that could be applied more rapidly and effectively, and reduce costs.
Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw said: “Fisheries policy is designed to protect the interests of the fishing industry as a whole and it is important that everyone abides by the rules.
“Fishing illegally reduces fish stocks and diminishes the value of fish landed legally by legitimate fishermen.
“This consultation aims to make enforcement proceedings quicker, simpler and more effective, and I would encourage everyone involved in the fishing industry to contribute to it.”
