Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967 (c. 84)

Regulation of fishing for sea fish U.K.

3 Regulation of nets and other fishing gear. U.K.

(1) The Ministers may make an order for securing that the nets and other fishing gear carried in any [F1 relevant] British fishing boat registered in the United Kingdom comply with such requirements as to construction, design, material, or size, including, in the case of nets, size of mesh, as may be prescribed by the order, and an order under this section, or any provisions of such an order, may be framed so as to apply only in relation to fishing for specified descriptions of sea fish, to specified methods of fishing or to fishing in specified areas or during specified periods.

(2) An order under this section may be made so as to extend to nets or other fishing gear carried in any waters adjacent to the United Kingdom and within [F1 relevant] [F2 British fishery limits] by [F3 Scottish fishing boats or] fishing boats registered in any country outside the United Kingdom or not registered in any country.

[F4 (2A) An order under this section may be made by the appropriate national authority so as to extend to nets or other fishing gear used by any person, otherwise than from a fishing boat, for fishing for or taking sea fish in the sea within the seaward limits of the territorial sea adjacent to England and Wales.

(2B) In subsection (2A) above “the appropriate national authority” means—

(a) in relation to England, the Secretary of State;

(b) in relation to Wales, the Welsh Ministers.]

(3) An order under this section prescribing minimum sizes of mesh may also—

(a) prescribe the manner in which the sizes of mesh are to be measured and, in the case of any class of nets, prescribe different sizes for the nets when in different conditions;

(b) make provision for securing that the restrictions imposed by the order are not evaded by the use of any nets in such manner as practically to diminish their mesh, or by the covering of nets with canvas or any other material, or by the use of any other artifice;

(c) provide for exempting any nets from any such restrictions as aforesaid, either generally or in relation to particular fishing boats or classes of fishing boats, [F5 or particular persons or persons of a particular description,] if and so long as such conditions as may be imposed by or under the order are complied with.

(4) Without prejudice to subsection (3) above, an order under this section may, in relation to any fishing gear,—

(a) restrict the manner in which it may be used;

(b) prescribe the manner in which its size is to be measured;

(c) make provision for securing that the restrictions imposed by the order are not evaded;

(d) make the like provision for exemption as is mentioned in relation to nets in subsection (3)(c) above.

(5) If any order under this section is contravened in the case of any fishing boat, the master, the owner and the charterer (if any) shall each be guilty of an offence under this section.

[F6 (5A) A person who contravenes an order made under this section by virtue of subsection (2A) above shall be guilty of an offence under this section.]

(6) Any restrictions imposed by an order under this section shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, any restriction imposed by or under any other Act, and nothing in this section shall affect any power conferred by any Act to regulate sea fishing.

(7) Nothing in any [F7 byelaw, rule, order or regulation made under section 4 of the M1 Sea Fisheries (Scotland) Amendment Act 1885, section 6 of the M2 Herring Fishery (Scotland) Act 1889 or section 8 of the M3 Sea Fisheries Regulation (Scotland) Act 1895] [F7 order made under section 1 of the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984], [F8 or in any byelaw made, or having effect as if made, under section 5 of the M4 Sea Fisheries Regulation Act 1966,] [F9 or in any byelaw made under section 155 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009,] or in any regulation made, or deemed to be made, under the M5 Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966, shall be taken to authorise the carrying [F10 or use] of fishing nets in circumstances where the carrying [F10 or use] of those nets would otherwise be unlawful by virtue of an order made under this section.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 3(1)(2) inserted (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, art. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 43(2)(b); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

F2 Words substituted by Fishery Limits Act 1976 (c. 86), Sch. 2 para. 16(1)

F3 Words in s. 3(2) inserted (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, art. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 43(4); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

F4 S. 3(2A)(2B) inserted (E.W.) (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 195(2), 324(1)(c)(d); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and amendment extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F5 Words in s. 3(3)(c) inserted (E.W.) (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 15 para. 2(2); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and amendment extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F6 S. 3(5A) inserted (E.W.) (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 195(3), 324(1)(c)(d); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and amendment extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F7 Words beginning “order made” substituted (S.) for words beginning “byelaw, rule” by Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 26, SIF 52:1), s. 10(2), Sch. 1

F8 Words in s. 3(7) repealed (1.4.2010 for W., 1.4.2011 for E.) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 22 Pt. 4; S.I. 2010/630, art. 3(b) (with arts. 8, 12); S.I. 2011/556, art. 2(2)(o) (with art. 2(3)); and repeal extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F9 Words in s. 3(7) inserted (1.4.2011) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 14 para. 7; S.I. 2011/556, art. 2(2)(k)

F10 Words in s. 3(7) inserted (E.W.) (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 15 para. 2(3); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and amendment extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 3: certain functions made exercisable in or as regards N.I. for the purposes of 1998 c. 47, ss. 6, 86 and transferred (28.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/790, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 3(1)(2)(b)

C2 S. 3(1): functions made exercisable concurrently with Welsh Ministers (1.4.2018) by 2006 c. 32, Sch. 3A para. 2 (as inserted by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), s. 71(4), Sch. 4 para. 2 (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(p))

C3 S. 3(3)(4): functions made exercisable concurrently with Welsh Ministers (1.4.2018) by 2006 c. 32, Sch. 3A para. 2 (as inserted by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), s. 71(4), Sch. 4 para. 2 (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(p))

C4 S. 3(5) amended by Fisheries Act 1981 (c. 29, SIF 52:1), s. 33(1), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 13

Marginal Citations

M1 1885 c. 70.

M2 1889 c. 23.

M3 1895 c. 42.

M4 1966 c. 38.

M5 1966 (N.I.) c. 17.

F11 4 Licensing of fishing boats. U.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F11 S. 4 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(2) (with Sch. 4 Pt. 3)

[F12 4AA Restrictions on time spent at sea—appeals. U.K.

(1) For the purposes of performing the functions conferred by this section there shall be a tribunal to be called the Sea Fish Licence Tribunal.

(2) If—

(a) a licence under [F13 section 15 or 17 of the Fisheries Act 2020] contains a condition restricting the time which a vessel may spend at sea, and

(b) no licence containing such a condition has previously been granted in respect of that vessel,

the person to whom the licence is granted may make an application to the tribunal requesting it to review the time which according to the condition the vessel may spend at sea.

(3) The Ministers shall by regulations make provision as to the manner in which and the time within which applications under subsection (2) above are to be made; and the quorum and procedure of the tribunal on dealing with an application shall be such as may be determined by or in accordance with regulations made by the Ministers.

(4) On an application under subsection (2) above the tribunal, consistently with the principles set out in any [F14 regulations made under paragraph 7(5) of Schedule 3 to the Fisheries Act 2020], may—

(a) dismiss the application, or

(b) determine that the licence should be varied either by increasing or by reducing the time which the vessel may spend at sea.

(5) If a determination that the licence should be varied is made by, or on appeal from, the tribunal, the Minister who granted the licence shall vary the licence so as to give effect to the determination, and shall make a corresponding variation of any other licence in force in respect of the same vessel.

(6) The tribunal shall consist of members appointed by the Ministers, and the number of members shall be such as the Ministers may determine.

(7) The Ministers shall make such provision as they think fit as to—

(a) the remuneration of the members of the tribunal, and the reimbursement of their expenses, and

(b) the staff and accommodation of the tribunal;

and any expenses reasonably incurred by the tribunal shall be defrayed by the Ministers.

(8) As soon as possible after the end of every period of twelve months ending with 31st March during which it exercises functions under subsection (4) above, the tribunal shall send to the Ministers a report on the exercise of those functions; and the Ministers shall lay a copy of the report before each House of Parliament.

(9) Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument, which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F12 S. 4AA inserted (17.12.1993) by Sea Fish (conservation) Act 1992 (c. 60), s.2 (with s. 11(4)).

F13 Words in s. 4AA(2)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(3)(a) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

F14 Words in s. 4AA(4) substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(3)(b) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 S. 4AA(5) modified (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 5, 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(b)

[F16 4A [F15 Licensing of vessels receiving trans-shipped fish] U.K.

(1) The Ministers may by order provide that within [F17 relevant] British fishery limits or in any specified area within those limits the receiving by any vessel (whether British or foreign) of fish trans-shipped from any other vessel is prohibited unless authorised by a licence granted by one of the Ministers.

(2) Such an order may apply to the receiving of fish generally or to the receiving of—

(a) a specified description of fish; or

(b) fish caught by a specified method; or

(c) fish caught in a specified area; or

(d) fish caught or trans-shipped during a specified season of the year or other period; or

(e) fish caught or received by vessels of a specified description, including vessels registered in a specified country;

and may provide for exceptions from the prohibitions contained in it.

(3) Where any vessel is used in contravention of a prohibition imposed by an order under this section, the master, the owner and the charterer (if any) are each guilty of an offence under this subsection.

(4) An order under this section, if made with the consent of the Treasury given for the purposes of this subsection, may authorise the making of a charge for a licence under this section, and if it does so it shall specify a maximum charge and may specify maxima in relation to different classes of licence.

(5) A licence under this section shall be granted to the owner or charterer in respect of a named vessel and may authorise the receiving of fish generally or may confer limited authority by reference to, in particular—

(a) the area within which the fish was caught or is trans-shipped; or

(b) the periods, times or particular voyages during which the fish was caught or is trans-shipped; or

(c) the descriptions and quantities of fish that may be received; or

(d) the description of vessel or method by which the trans-shipped fish was caught.

(6) A licence under this section may authorise the receiving of fish either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as appear to the Minister granting the licence to be necessary or expedient for the regulation of trans-shipment, including conditions as to the treatment on board the vessel of the fish received by it; and different conditions may be so imposed with respect to different vessels or vessels of different descriptions.

If such a condition is broken the master, the owner and the charterer (if any) are each guilty of an offence under this subsection.

(7) The Minister granting a licence under this section may require the master, the owner and the charterer (if any) of the vessel named in the licence and any agent named in the licence to provide him with [F18 such information, in such form,] as he may direct, and a person who fails without reasonable excuse to comply with such a requirement is guilty of an offence under this subsection.

(8) Any person who—

(a) for the purpose of obtaining a licence under this section; or

(b) in purported compliance with subsection (7) above,

furnishes information which he knows to be false in a material particular or recklessly furnishes information which is false in a material particular is guilty of an offence under this subsection.

(9) The licensing power conferred by this section may be exercised so as to limit the number of vessels, or of any description of vessel (including vessels or any description of vessel registered in a specified country) engaged in receiving fish to such an extent as appears to the Ministers necessary or expedient for the regulation of trans-shipment.

(10) A licence under this section—

(a) may be varied from time to time; and

(b) may be revoked or suspended, if it appears to the Minister who granted it to be necessary or expedient for the regulation of trans-shipment [F19 or to be appropriate in a case where there is a contravention of a prohibition imposed by an order under this section or a contravention of a condition of the licence].

(11) If a licence is varied, revoked or suspended, the Minister who granted it may, if he considers it appropriate in all the circumstances of the case, refund the whole or part of any charge made for the licence.

(12) The Ministers may make arrangements for any of their licensing powers under this section (but not the power to make orders under subsection (1)) to be exercised by other persons on their behalf.]

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 4A heading inserted (1.4.2010) by virtue of Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 6(9), 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(c)

F16 S. 4A inserted by Fisheries Act 1981 (c. 29, SIF 52:1), ss. 21(1), 27

F17 Word in s. 4A(1) inserted (1.7.1999) by S.I. 1999/1820, art. 4, Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 43(2)(b); S.I. 1998/3178, art. 3

F18 Words in s. 4A(7) substituted (17.1.1993) by Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992 (c. 60), ss. 3(2), 11(1) (with s. 11(4)).

F19 Words in s. 4A(10)(b) added (17.1.1993) by Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992 (c. 60), ss. 3(3), 11(1) (with s. 11(4)).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 4A: functions made exercisable concurrently (31.3.2010) by The Welsh Zone (Boundaries and Transfer of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/760), arts. 1(3), 5(1)(a) (with art. 6(1))

C7 S. 4A: transfer of functions (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 6, 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(c)

C8 S. 4A: certain functions made exercisable in or as regards N.I. for the purposes of 1998 c. 47, ss. 6, 86 and transferred (28.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/790, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 3(1)(2)(f)

C9 S. 4A: functions made exercisable concurrently with Welsh Ministers (1.4.2018) by 2006 c. 32, Sch. 3A para. 2 (as inserted by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), s. 71(4), Sch. 4 para. 2 (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(p))

C10 S. 4A: functions made exercisable concurrently or jointly with Welsh Ministers (1.4.2018) by 2006 c. 32, Sch. 3A para. 1 (as inserted by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), s. 71(4), Sch. 4 para. 1 (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(p))

C11 S. 4A(1) modified (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 6(2), 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(c)

C12 S. 4A(1): certain functions made exercisable in or as regards N.I. for the purposes of 1998 c. 47, ss. 6, 86 and transferred (28.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/790, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 3(1)(2)(e)

C13 S. 4A(3) amended by Fisheries Act 1981 (c. 29, SIF 52:1), s. 33(1), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 15

C14 S. 4A(4) modified (28.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/790, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 4(3)

C15 S. 4A(6) modified (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 6(3), 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(c)

C16 S. 4A(7) modified (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 6(3), 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(c)

C17 S. 4A(9) modified (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 6(4), 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(c)

C18 S. 4A(10) modified (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 6(3), 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(c)

C19 S. 4A(11) modified (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 6(3), 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(c)

[F21 4B Regulations supplementary to [F20 section 4A]. U.K.

(1) The Ministers may by regulations make provision as to—

(a) the manner in which a licence under section F22 ... 4A of this Act is to be granted, or a variation, revocation or suspension effected, and

(b) the time when a licence, or a variation, suspension or revocation, shall have effect.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above, regulations under this section may include provision—

(a) for documents to be delivered, or notices given, to the nominees of persons to whom licences are granted;

(b) for documents or notices to be treated as delivered or given if they are posted or otherwise communicated in accordance with the regulations;

(c) for notices to be given by publication in newspapers;

(d) as to the transitional effects of variations.

(3) Regulations under this section may make different provision for different cases.

(4) Regulations under this section shall be made by statutory instrument, which shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in s. 4B heading substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(4)(a) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

F21 Ss. 4B, 4C inserted (17.12.1992) by Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992 (c. 60), s.4 (with s. 11(4)).

F22 Words in s. 4B(1)(a) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(4)(b) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 4B modified (1.4.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 7, 324(3); S.I. 2010/907, art. 2(2)(d)

C21 S. 4B: certain functions made exercisable in or as regards N.I. for the purposes of 1998 c. 47, ss. 6, 86 and transferred (28.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/790, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 3(1)(2)(g)

C22 S. 4B(4) excluded (28.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/790, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 4(4)

[F23 4C [F24 Proceedings for offences relating to licences]—evidence. U.K.

(1) Where automatic recording equipment—

(a) is used in accordance with a [F25 relevant condition], or

(b) is used to record information transmitted or derived from equipment used in accordance with such a condition,

any record produced by means of the automatic recording equipment, or partly by those and partly by other means, shall, in any proceedings for [F26 a relevant offence], except proceedings in Scotland, be evidence of the matters appearing from the record.

(2) In any proceedings in Scotland for [F27 a relevant offence], any document which constitutes or contains—

(a) an entry in any logbook kept, or purported to be kept, under [F28 a retained] [F29 EU] obligation relating to fishing activities, by the master of a vessel,

(b) a declaration made, or purported to be made, under such an obligation—

(i) as to fish landed, by the master of a vessel or by an agent,

(ii) as to trans-shipment, by the master of a vessel,

(c) information provided, or purported to be provided, under—

(i) any [F30 relevant condition], by the master, owner or charterer (if any) of a vessel and, in the case of any [F31 relevant condition within subsection (3A)(a)], by any of those persons or by an agent,

(ii) a [F32 relevant requirement], by the master, owner or charterer (if any) of a vessel and, in the case of any condition imposed under section 4A(7), by any of those persons or by an agent,

(d) a record referred to in subsection (1) above or anything which purports to be such a record,

shall be received in evidence without being produced or sworn to by any witness and shall be sufficient evidence of the matters stated therein or appearing therefrom.

(3) In subsection (2) above, “document” includes, in addition to a document in writing—

(a) any map, plan, graph or drawing,

(b) any photograph,

(c) any disk, tape, sound track or other device in which sounds or other data (not being visual aids) are recorded so as to be capable (with or without the aid of some other equipment) of being reproduced therefrom, and

(d) any film (including microfilm), negative, tape, disc or other device in which one or more visual images are recorded so as to be capable (as aforesaid) of being reproduced therefrom.

[F33 (3A) In this section “relevant condition” means a condition—

(a) attached, by virtue of paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 to the Fisheries Act 2020, to a sea fishing licence granted under section 15 or 17 of that Act, or

(b) included by virtue of subsection (6) of section 4A of this Act in a licence granted under that section.

(3B) In this section “relevant offence” means—

(a) an offence under section 14(6) or 16(6) of, or paragraph 1(4) or 3(2) or (3) of Schedule 3 to, the Fisheries Act 2020 (offences relating to sea fishing licences), or

(b) an offence under section 4A of this Act.

(3C) In this section “relevant requirement” means—

(a) a requirement under paragraph 3 of Schedule 3 to the Fisheries Act 2020 (power to obtain information in connection with sea fishing licence), or

(b) a requirement under section 4A(7) of this Act.]

(4) This section shall have effect in relation to offences committed after the end of the period of one month beginning with the day on which the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992 was passed.]

Textual Amendments

F23 Ss. 4B, 4C inserted (17.12.1992) by Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1992 (c. 60), s.4 (with s. 11(4))

F24 Words in s. 4C heading substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(5)(a) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

F25 Words in s. 4C(1)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(5)(b) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

F26 Words in s. 4C(1) substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(5)(c) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

F27 Words in s. 4C(2) substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(5)(d) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

F28 Words in s. 4C(2)(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Fisheries (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/746), regs. 1, 2; 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F29 Words in Act substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2, 3-6

F30 Words in s. 4C(2)(c)(i) substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(5)(e)(i) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

F31 Words in s. 4C(2)(c)(i) substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(5)(e)(ii) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

F32 Words in s. 4C(2)(c)(ii) substituted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(5)(f) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

F33 S. 4C(3A)-(3C) inserted (31.12.2020) by Fisheries Act 2020 (c. 22), s. 54(3)(b), Sch. 4 para. 6(5)(g) (with Sch. 4 para. 31)

5 Power to restrict fishing for sea fish. U.K.

[F34 (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, the appropriate national authority may make an order—

(a) prohibiting, in any area specified in the order and either for a period so specified or without limitation of time—

(i) all fishing for sea fish;

(ii) fishing for any description of sea fish specified in the order;

(iii) fishing for sea fish, or for any description of sea fish specified in the order, by any method so specified;

(b) restricting, in any area specified in the order and either for a period so specified or without limitation of time, the amount of sea fish, or sea fish of a description specified in the order, that may, in any period so specified, be taken by—

(i) any person;

(ii) any fishing boat.

A person who contravenes any prohibition or restriction imposed by an order under this section shall be guilty of an offence under this subsection.

(1A) Where any fishing boat is used in contravention of any prohibition or restriction imposed by an order under this section, the master, the owner and the charterer (if any) shall each be guilty of an offence under subsection (1) above.

(1B) An order under this section which prohibits in any area—

(a) fishing for sea fish, or for any description of sea fish specified in the order, or

(b) fishing for sea fish, or for any description of sea fish specified in the order, by any method so specified,

may provide that any fishing gear, or any fishing gear of a description specified in the order, of any fishing boat in that area must be stowed in accordance with provision made by the order.

(1C) An order under this section restricting the amount of sea fish of any description that may be caught in a period specified in the order may provide that, for the purposes of paragraph (b) of subsection (1) above, any sea fish of that description that, after being caught in that period, is returned to the sea as soon as that amount is exceeded is not to be treated as having been caught in contravention of the restriction imposed by the order.]

(2) Orders under this section may make different provision [F35 for different cases] .

(5) Any prohibition [F36 or restriction] imposed by an order under this section may be made so as to have effect either at all times while the order is in force or at such times as (whether by reference to particular months, weeks, days or hours, or to any combination thereof) are specified in the order.

(6) Where an order under this section is made [F37 by virtue of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) above] in respect of a description of sea fish specified in the order, and, in the course of [F38 fishing] in an area so specified and at a time when a prohibition imposed by the order in relation to sea fish of that description has effect in that area, any sea fish of that description (or, if the prohibition applies only to fishing for sea fish of that description by a method specified in the order, any sea fish of that description caught by that method) [F39 are caught by a person, or taken on board a fishing boat, in contravention of the prohibition] , those sea fish shall, subject to section 9 of this Act [F40 and except where the order otherwise provides], be returned to the sea forthwith.

[F41 (6A) A person who does not comply with subsection (6) above shall be guilty of an offence under that subsection.]

(7) Where subsection (6) above is not complied with in the case of any fishing boat, the master, the owner and the charterer (if any) shall each be guilty of an offence under that subsection.

[F42 (8) The only provision that may be made by an order under this section in relation to an area outside British fishery limits, or an area within the Scottish zone or the Northern Ireland zone, is provision applying to—

(a) a British fishing boat, other than a Scottish fishing boat or a Northern Ireland fishing boat, that is registered in the United Kingdom; or

(b) in so far as the order relates to fishing for salmon or migratory trout, a fishing boat which is British-owned but not registered under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

(9) In this section—

• “the appropriate national authority” means—

  (a)

  in relation to Wales [F43 or the Welsh zone] (within the meaning of the Government of Wales Act 2006), the Welsh Ministers;

  (b)

  in any other case, the Secretary of State;

• “Northern Ireland fishing boat” means a fishing boat which is registered in the United Kingdom under Part 2 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 and whose entry in the register specifies a port in Northern Ireland as the port to which the boat is to be treated as belonging;

• “Northern Ireland zone” has the meaning given by the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (see section 98 of that Act).]

Textual Amendments

F34 S. 5(1)-(1C) substituted for s. 5(1) (E.W.) (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 198(2), 324(1)(c)(d); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F35 Words in s. 5(2) substituted (E.W.) (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 15 para. 3(2); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F36 Words in s. 5(5) inserted (E.W.) (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 15 para. 3(3); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F37 Words in s. 5(6) inserted (E.W.) (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 15 para. 3(4)(a); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F38 Word in s. 5(6) substituted (E.W.) (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 15 para. 3(4)(b); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F39 Words in s. 5(6) substituted (E.W.) (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 15 para. 3(4)(c); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F40 Words inserted by Fisheries Act 1981 (c. 29, SIF 52:1), s. 22(2)(b)

F41 S. 5(6A) inserted (E.W.) (12.1.2010) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), s. 324(3), Sch. 15 para. 3(5); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8; and extended (S.) (24.2.2011) by Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5), ss. 158, 168(1) (with s. 162); S.S.I. 2011/58, art. 2(a)

F42 S. 5(8)(9) substituted for s. 5(8) (E.W.) (12.11.2009 for specified purposes, 12.1.2010 in so far as not already in force) by Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (c. 23), ss. 198(3), 324(1)(c)(d); S.I. 2009/3345, art. 2, Sch. para. 8

F43 Words in s. 5(9) inserted (31.3.2010) by The Welsh Zone (Boundaries and Transfer of Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/760), arts. 1(3), 4(4) (with art. 4(5))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 S. 5: certain functions made exercisable in or as regards N.I. for the purposes of 1998 c. 47, ss. 6, 86 and transferred (28.3.2002) by S.I. 2002/790, art. 3(1), Sch. 1 para. 3(1)(2)(h)

C24 S. 5: functions made exercisable concurrently with Welsh Ministers (1.4.2018) by 2006 c. 32, Sch. 3A para. 2 (as inserted by Wales Act 2017 (c. 4), s. 71(4), Sch. 4 para. 2 (with Sch. 7 paras. 1, 6); S.I. 2017/1179, reg. 3(p))

C25 S. 5(1) amended by Fisheries Act 1981 (c. 29, SIF 52:1), s. 33(1), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 16

C26 S. 5(6) amended by Fisheries Act 1981 (c. 29, SIF 52:1), s. 33(1), Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 16

[F44 5A Powers to restrict fishing for marine environmental purposes. U.K.

(1) Any power to make an order under section 5 above may be exercised for marine environmental purposes.

(2) The power to make an order under section 5 above by virtue of this section is in addition to, and not in derogation from, the power to make an order under that section otherwise than by virtue of this section.

(3) In this section “marine environmental purposes” means the purposes—

(a) of conserving or enhancing the natural beauty or amenity of marine or coastal areas (including their geological or physiographical features) or of any features of archaeological or historic interest in such areas; or

(b) of conserving flora or fauna which are dependent on, or associated with, a marine or coastal environment.]

Textual Amendments

F44 S. 5A inserted (21.9.1995) by 1995 c. 25, s. 103(1) (with ss. 7(6), 115, 117); S.I. 1995/1983, art. 3