Section 49 - Contravention of orders prohibiting inshore sea fishing
140.Section 49 amends the 1984 Act. Section 49(2) adds a new subsection (1B) to section 4 of the 1984 Act (offences). That provides that a person commits an offence where the facts at paragraphs (a) to (c) are proved and it is reasonable to infer from those facts that the person intended to fish in contravention of a prohibition introduced through an order made under section 1 of the 1984 Act
141.Section 49(3) amends the 1984 Act by adding a new section 4A. This creates a presumption that applies in proceedings against a person charged with an offence under section 4(1) of the 1984 Act. The presumption is that the person has fished in contravention of an order made under section 1 of the 1984 Act where certain facts, set out at subsections (2) and (3), are proved and it is reasonable to infer from those facts that the person was, or had been, fishing in contravention of the order. New section 4A(4) of the 1984 Act provides that the presumption will not apply where it can be shown that any evidence raises a doubt regarding certain facts.
