Image description: The Seven Sisters in Sussex. Image by Andres Stefuca / Pexels.

The Prosecution: 

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

Christoph Gouy, Master of the French-registered fishing vessel Pierre D’Ambre, pleaded guilty at Newcastle Magistrates Court 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 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 in March last year. A 50-day notification period preceded the byelaw’s implementation, which the MMO affirmed was widely communicated. The day before the offences took place the vessel was also notified about the upcoming restrictions.

The implementation of the byelaw

The MMO introduced the byelaw following an impact assessment, evidence gathering and public consultation on proposed measures for 13 marine protected areas (MPAs). The ban on bottom towed fishing gear in specified areas within these MPAs is in place to ensure the conservation and recovery of the vulnerable habitats and species identified.

The Offshore Brighton MCZ, located approximately 45km south of Selsey Bill, West Sussex, protects 862km² of biodiverse seabed habitats including coarse sands, gravels, and exposed bedrock.

Peter Clark, Director of Operations at MMO, commented on the prosecution:  “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.”