Holy Island fishermen convicted of breaching fisheries byelaws

The prosecution was brought against the pair by the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (NIFCA) which manages the fishery along the North Tyneside and Northumberland Coast.

During a trial, barristers representing NIFCA, told Newcastle Magistrates’ Court that Mr Brigham and Mr Ward had fished with pots that were not affixed with the required tags stipulated in authority byelaws resulting in their seizure.

Inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems data showed the defendant’s vessels, the Freedom B BK532 and Sophy Rose BK533, at the location of the gear in the days immediately prior to the seizure.

Evidence was also given of a 2021 conversation between Fisheries Officers and Mr Brigham in which he referred to illegal fishing activity, the financial risks versus rewards of doing so and his defence if caught.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the offences, claiming a third party must have set the pots up to look like theirs and then placed them along their vessel’s tracks.

District Judge Meek found both defendants guilty, describing them and their witnesses in her judgement as “untruthful” in an “attempt to hide the defendants’ guilt.” Judge Meek adjourned sentencing until late February.

Nick Weir, NIFCA’s lead enforcement officer, said: “The authority welcomes the conviction of Mr Brigham and Mr Ward, they deliberately chose to exceed effort control legislation designed to protect the species relied upon by the local industry for their financial gain, to the detriment of legitimate fishermen.

“NIFCA is committed to taking appropriate action against any individuals who compromise the health of the fishery. Our byelaws, together with national legislation, are designed to balance the social, environmental, and economic interests of our stakeholders, supporting healthy marine environments, sustainable fishing practices, and a viable industry for future generations.”