Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
First ever MPA byelaw prosecution secures guilty plea and £40,000 financial order
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has secured the first successful prosecution for a contravention of an MMO marine protected area (MPA) byelaw.
On 2 May 2025, 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 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 22 March 2024. 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.
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. These habitats support a variety of marine life essential for a healthy and functioning marine ecosystem, including burrowing worms and sea anemones.
The MMO introduced the byelaw following a detailed 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 these vulnerable habitats and species.
Peter Clark, Director of Operations at MMO, said:
This landmark case demonstrates MMO’s commitment to protecting our precious marine environment. 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.
This case marks a significant step towards MMOs upholding the commitment to sustainable fisheries management and marine conservation.
Find out more: www.gov.uk/marine-protected-areas