If, in the sea or in the tidal portion of a river, any person uses any net to which this section applies with a mesh of less size thanF1 4.4 centimetres from knot to knot, to be measured along the side of the square, orF1 17.6 centimetres to be measured all round each such mesh, such measurements being taken in the clear when the net is wet, then, subject to subsection (2), he shall be guilty of an offence.

F2The Departmentmay by F3regulations permit the use of nets to which this section applies having meshes of a less size than that specified in subsection (1), and this section shall have application with respect to any net to which such F3regulations apply as if for the dimensions specified in subsection (1) there were substituted the dimensions specified in those F3regulations.

In this section the expression “net to which this section applies” means any net or other engine which is not formed of a rigid material and which is used for the taking of salmon.