(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order applies to British fishing boats.
This Order prohibits fishing using specified pair trawls in the south-west territorial waters of England (article 3). Pair trawling is a method of fishing by two or more vessels, carried out by a net or a combination of nets (article 2(1)). The carriage of pair trawling nets within the south-west territorial sea is prohibited unless all parts of the relevant gear are lashed and stowed (article 4).
The Order comes into force on 24th December 2004.
If any boat contravenes any prohibition under this Order, the master, owner and charterer is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine (section 11(1)(a) and (b) of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967). The court may also order forfeiture of fish, nets or other fishing gear (section 11(2)-(3) of the 1967 Act).
The Order confers powers of enforcement on British sea fishery officers for the purposes of enforcing this Order. These powers may be exercised in relation to any British fishing boat within relevant British fishery limits, and in relation to a relevant British fishing boat wherever it may be (article 5).