The Sea Fishing (Enforcement of Measures for the Recovery of the Stock of Cod)(Irish Sea) (Wales) Order 2000

Explanatory Note

(This note does not form part of the Orde.)

The Order makes provision for the enforcement of restrictions concerning the conservation of fishery resources through measures for the recovery of the stock of cod in that part of the Irish Sea (ICES Division VIIa) which lies within the territorial sea adjacent to Wales. The restrictions are contained in Article 1, as read with Articles 1.2 and 1.3 of Commission Regulation (EC) No.304/2000 (OJ No. L35, 10.2.2000, p.10) (“the Commission Regulation”).

Article 1 of the Commission Regulation prohibits, during the period 14 February 2000 to 30 April 2000, the use of specified types of nets and fishing gear within a specified geographical area of the Irish Sea.

The Order also makes provision for the enforcement of a requirement in relation to the percentage composition of catches of target species taken by different ranges of mesh sizes which is contained in Article 4(4)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No. 850/98, for the conservation of fishery resources through technical measures for the protection of juveniles of marine organisms, as read with Article 2 of the Commission Regulation. Article 2 of the Commission Regulation disapplies transitional measures for 2000 laid down in footnote 6 of Annex I of Council Regulation 850/98, which might otherwise allow a high number of target species to be taken as by-catch in the Irish Sea.

Article 3 of the Order creates offences in respect of breaches of Article 1 of the Commission Regulation or Article 4(4)(b) of Council Regulation 850/98. Penalties, which may include the forfeiture of fish, nets and other fishing gear, are specified for such offences (article 4).

The Order confers powers of enforcement on British sea-fishery officers in relation to fishing boats and on land and in relation to the seizure of fish and fishing gear (articles 6, 7 and 8) as well as on other officers in relation to nets and fishing gear (article 9). Provision is made for the punishment of anyone found guilty of obstructing or assaulting an officer (article 11).

Provision is also made for the prosecution of offenders and for proceedings by local fisheries committees (article 13). The statutory maximum penalty specified in the Order is currently £5,000.

The Order provides powers for the recovery of fines imposed by a magistrates court (article 5).

Articles 10, 12 and 14 contain ancillary provisions.