Where in the exercise of the powers conferred by section 127(10), 172F1, 174 or 178 a person seizes or detains any fish and the fish is likely to become unfit for human food before the matter can conveniently be dealt with by a court, the succeeding provisions of this section shall have effect.

If the fish is a fish that may for the time being be lawfully taken, bought and sold, having regard to its kind, size and condition and the season of the year (in this section referred to as “lawful fish” ), the person seizing or detaining the fish shall, in accordance with any directions given to him by the Ministry F2. . . , sell the fish, unless by virtue of an instruction given to him by the Ministry F2. . . on any occasion, or in accordance with the terms of any general authorisation in writing given to him by the Ministry F2. . . , he is permitted or required to dispose of it in some other manner.

If the fish is not lawful fish, the person shall destroy or otherwise dispose of it in accordance with any instruction or authorisation such as is referred to in subsection (2).

When a person proposes to sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of any fish in pursuance of subsection (2) or (3) he may produce the fish to a justice of the peace, and the justice of the peace may give to the person producing the fish a certificate in writing describing the fish and any marks, peculiarities or other particulars thereof pointed out to him by that person.

A certificate given by a justice of the peace under subsection (4) shall be prima facie evidence of all matters of fact such as are described in that subsection as are stated therein.