A Co Down man has been fined for selling fish illegally at a market in Belfast.
Robert Gracey (59) of Crossan Road, Mayobridge was found guilty at Laganside Magistrates’ Court, Belfast, in his absence, to one breach of the Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1966 and fined a total of £90.
On April 22 last year, during a routine inspection of fish dealers offering fish for sale, namely salmon, trout, and eels, at St George’s Market in Belfast, it was discovered that Gracey was offering salmon for sale without the appropriate fish dealer’s licence and therefore had no commercial fish dealer’s logbook available for inspection.
It was explained to Gracey that this was a suspected breach of legislation as outlined under section 113 of the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966.
Gracey was fined £75 for the offence along with an offender levy of £15.
The outcome in this case demonstrates the commitment of DAERA Inland Fisheries enforcement staff in pursuing those whose actions may have a detrimental impact on fish stocks and to ensure the appropriate licence is in place.
If you are aware or suspect illegal fishing, you should contact DAERA Inland Fisheries on 0300 200 7860 or outside office hours contact 0800 807 060.
