Fisherman fined for using drift nets in Prohibited area. A Kidwelly fisherman had penalties totalling £1165 imposed upon him after Magistrates sitting in Llanelli on 1 March heard how Officers from the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee had discovered two drift nets deployed by him in a prohibited area in north Carmarthen Bay. The Court heard that prohibited areas had been established in Carmarthen Bay around river estuary mouths to prevent the interception of migrating salmon and sea trout. They also served to prevent the over exploitation of other sea fish such as bass when they were vulnerable to fishing in shallow channels. The Defendant, Thomas Austin Withers of Swn Y Mor, Coastal Road, Kidwelly told the court he had shot his nets outside the prohibited area but they had drifted inside when he lost control of them in strong tides. He was fined £1000 and ordered to pay £150 towards prosecution costs. A victim surcharge of £15 was added to the bill. |
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