Trawling Upper Bristol Channel

[kevthefish]

Had a trawler going up and down in front of me yesterday from Weston-Super-Mare Bay to way past Sand Point:

 

 

Are there any restrictions on these guys doing this so close to the beaches as I did a search in google and could not find anything.

[maidstonemike]

Small trawlers can and do. I could have cast a lead through the cabin window many times at Dengemarsh when they scrape up the Sole from the beaches. It is utter madness to allow this.

[Leon Roskilly]

There are restrictions in some areas, you need to consult your local sea fisheries committee.

 

In Kent and Essex it's the case that any boat of 17 metres or under can trawl in as close as they can work (usually after the sole, just off the beach).

 

You can find a little more about a particular boat if you have the number at:

 

http://statistics.defra.gov.uk/esg/publica...els/default.asp

 

Tight Lines - leon

[kevthefish]

Thanks Leon - appreciated

[Leon Roskilly]

Ah!

 

Someone done for bringing a big boat too close in!

 

Western Morning News

 

TL - leon

[Barry Scholes]

Not much of a deterant is it!!!

I wonder what the maximum fine is for these offences?

and did they have the catch confiscated?

 

Regards

Barry

[Rapala]

Ah!

 

Someone done for bringing a big boat too close in!

 

Western Morning News

 

TL - leon

 

Wow! MASSIVE fines! - not!!

Every excuse in the book, and as for scallops being undersize because the edges of their shells had got chipped on the deck,...well I never!

Pretty similar restrictions up our way - they can trawl as close as they like as long as the boat's under a certain size.

[Marine Bill]

Maximum fine under byelaw £5000 triable summarily

Maximum under s.i. usually £50,000 triable either way

Home office guidelines for cautioning of offenders will be applicable.

 

E.A. are the Sea Fisheries Committee in the upper Bristol Channel