Christchurch Fisherman Spends Nearly £400 to Catch a Sea Trout

The Environment Agency initiated the case against Williamson. He denied using a net to catch fish during a period when their use was restricted, but was found guilty following a trial at Poole Magistrates Court on 18 May 2023. As a result, Williamson was imposed a total penalty of £384.

During the offence in June 2021, a net limitation order was active at Christchurch Harbour. This regulation meant that the Environment Agency had not issued any net licences for catching salmon and sea trout in the harbour to protect vulnerable populations.

During an operation, Environment Agency fisheries officers, in collaboration with the Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA), observed Williamson in the harbour. He was found to have a mature sea trout among his catch.

After failing to attend Poole Magistrates Court, the court issued a warrant for his arrest supported by bail, which ultimately led to his appearance in court.

Williamson was convicted of fishing without a licence and of capturing a sea trout with a net, violating Section 27 of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

He faced a fine of £250, in addition to legal costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £34.

On the evening of 3 June 2021, Environment Agency fisheries officers, in conjunction with IFCA officials, were patrolling for potential illegal fishing in Christchurch Harbour, near Highcliffe Sailing Club.

Upon their arrival, officers utilized night vision equipment to survey the harbour. Approximately 250 metres offshore, they spotted Williamson in his small boat ‘My Lady’, rowing across the harbour and setting a 300m gill net from the back of the boat.

The officers monitored the boat for a significant period, witnessing Williamson retrieving the net back onto the boat.

In the early hours of 4 June 2021, Williamson returned ashore. In addition to many legally caught fish, officers found one deceased mature sea trout.

Stuart Kingston-Turner, fisheries enforcement specialist, commented:

The impact on stocks can be substantial when even small numbers of sea trout are taken illegally. Each sea trout can represent the loss of up to 15,000 eggs.

Mr. Williamson had plenty of time to inspect his catch and return the sea trout to the water before reaching the shore.

Given the persistent decline of migratory fish in some rivers, the EA treats cases of fish poaching with utmost seriousness and will take action against those involved.

Background

The net limitation order for Christchurch has now expired. However, the Environment Agency, in consultation with Defra, has instituted a new local byelaw that extends the ban on fishing for sea trout and other migratory fish in Christchurch Harbour to ensure long-term protection for stocks and allow for their recovery.

From 2 June to 5 June 2021, in Christchurch Harbour, Martin Williamson fished using a licensable method, specifically a net, when he lacked the entitlement to use that method due to his fishing licence status.

This was in violation of section 27(1)(a)(i) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.