(1)The annual close time for trout shall extend from 7th October to 14th March, both inclusive.
(2)Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, any person who, during the annual close time for trout—
(a)fishes for or takes trout in any inland waters; or
(b)is in possession of trout,
shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
(3)It shall not be an offence under this section for the owner or occupier of any water where trout are kept in captivity or artificially reared or fed, or any person employed by such a person, to take trout from such water during the annual close time—
(a)for scientific or breeding purposes;
(b)for the purpose of removing them or having them removed, alive, to other waters.
(4)It shall not be an offence under this section for a person to whom trout are consigned, whether by sale or otherwise, for the purpose mentioned in subsection (3)(b) above, to be in possession of such trout.
[F1(5)A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 17(5) inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), s. 45(2), Sch. para. 6(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1) (with art. 4)
Commencement Information
I1S. 17 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2