Spanish Fisherman Fined for Illegal Fishing in Conservation Zone
Marcos Gonzales-Rivera, a 53-year-old Spanish national and master of the British-registered fishing vessel Brisan FD9, has pleaded guilty to breaching fishing regulations in the Canyons Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). At North Tyneside Magistrates Court on 29 January 2025, he admitted to deploying anchored nets in an area where such practices are prohibited.
Case Details
Data from the vessel monitoring system (VMS) revealed that the Brisan FD9 had entered the Canyons MCZ on three separate occasions in January 2024. During these incursions, Gonzales-Rivera used gill nets, which are banned under The Canyons Marine Conservation Zone (Specified Area) Prohibited Fishing Gears Byelaw 2022. This legislation was implemented by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to safeguard vulnerable marine ecosystems from harmful fishing methods.
The court sentenced Gonzales-Rivera to a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered him to cover legal expenses and a victim surcharge, amounting to £1,688. Factors influencing the court’s decision included his early guilty plea, clean record prior to the incident, and his prompt response to rectify the situation upon learning of the conservation zone’s restrictions. Notably, he has not reoffended during the two years that have elapsed since the original violations.
Importance of the Canyons MCZ
The Canyons MCZ plays a crucial role in preserving unique marine habitats. It is home to important features such as deep-sea bed ecosystems, cold-water corals, and diverse communities including sea-pen and burrowing megafauna. The preservation of this area is vital for maintaining biodiversity and supporting marine life recovery efforts.
Official Response
Sean Douglas, Head of Regulatory Assurance at the MMO, commented on the prosecution, stating, “This successful prosecution demonstrates MMO’s continued commitment to evidence-led enforcement of MPA byelaws. We are pleased the court reached a proportionate outcome. Our MPA byelaws exist to protect and support the recovery of vulnerable habitats and species habitats. We will continue to hold those who breach them to account.”
Recent Prosecutions
This case follows the MMO’s first successful prosecution under MPA byelaws in May 2025, which led to fines exceeding £40,000 for illegal bottom-towed fishing activities within the Offshore Brighton Marine Conservation Zone. Such enforcement actions underscore the importance of compliance with conservation laws to ensure the protection of marine environments.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mmo-secures-a-second-successful-mpa-byelaw-prosecution
