Fined for retaining undersized Brown Crab

At a sitting of Bangor Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 21 October 2009, the owner / skipper of the fishing vessel Mariona BA15 was found guilty of contravening Article 17 and 19 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 850/98 by retaining undersized Brown Crab on board his vessel. The vessel owner / skipper Mr Eric Brown, 8 Springwell Park, Groomsport, Co. Down was fined a total of £150 plus costs.

Notes to Editors:

1. It is an offence contrary to Article 17 and 19 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 850/98 to retain on board undersized marine organisms.

2. All media enquiries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.