UK's first MPA bylaw prosecution secures guilty plea and £40k financial order

The UK's Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has secured the first successful prosecution for a contravention of an MMO marine protected area (MPA) bylaw.

On May 2, at Newcastle Magistrates Court, Christoph Gouy, master of the French-registered fishing vessel Pierre D’Ambre, pleaded guilty to using bottom towed fishing gear in a prohibited area of the Offshore Brighton Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in April 2024 and other related offences.

The case resulted in the master and owner receiving over £40,000 ($53,000) in fines, victim surcharge and costs for illegal bottom towed fishing activity within the Offshore Brighton Marine Conservation Zone and other linked offences.

"The Marine Protected Areas Bottom Towed Fishing Gear Byelaw 2023 came into force on March 22, 2024," said the MMO.

"A 50-day notification period preceded the byelaw’s implementation and was widely communicated. The day before the offences took place the vessel was also notified about the upcoming restrictions."

"This landmark case demonstrates MMO’s commitment to protecting our precious marine environment," said Peter Clark, Director of Operations at the MMO.

"Effective enforcement of byelaws like this one is essential to ensure our MPAs deliver real ecosystem benefits. Healthy seas are the foundation of a thriving, sustainable fishing industry.

"This successful prosecution shows that we will act decisively to uphold the rules and safeguard the long-term future of our marine environment."