Joint MMO NIFCA operation exposes illegal lobster landings, Blyth prosecution, undersized catches, fishing offences.
Joint Enforcement Operation At Port Of Blyth
A joint enforcement operation involving the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) and Northumbria Police has resulted in the prosecution of the owner and master of the UK-registered fishing vessel Andigee WY372.
On 11 September 2024, officers carried out a compliance patrol at the Port of Blyth following reports that the vessel was repeatedly landing undersized shellfish.
During the inspection, officers seized and measured 250 lobsters. Of these, 248 were below the minimum conservation reference size, 28 were egg-bearing, and two had mutilated tails. Two lobsters were found to be compliant with legislation.
Gear Inspection Reveals Further Offences
On 17 January 2025, officers from NIFCA and the MMO conducted inspections on static fishing gear within the NIFCA district linked to the Andigee WY372, which was not permitted to fish at the time.
Officers seized 70 lobster pots that were not marked appropriately. The pots were found to be storing 174 undersized lobsters, including one egg-bearing lobster.
Court Proceedings And Sentencing
Brenda Denton, owner of the vessel, and Charles Michael Denton, master of the Andigee WY372, both from Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, were prosecuted for offences relating to both inspections.
They were found guilty of the 2025 IFCA offences at a trial at Newcastle Magistrates Court in December 2025. On 16 April 2026, at North Tyneside Magistrates Court, both defendants entered guilty pleas for the 2024 MMO and IFCA offences and were sentenced for all offences on the same date.
The offences included landing European lobster below the minimum conservation reference size, landing mutilated lobsters, landing egg-bearing lobsters, retaining and carrying berried lobsters aboard the vessel, fishing within the NIFCA district without a valid permit, and failing to display relevant information on fishing gear.
The offences were in breach of the Fisheries Act 1981, the Sea Fish Conservation Act 1967, and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 through NIFCA byelaws.
The defendants were fined and ordered to pay costs totalling £6,060. They were also disqualified from holding any IFCA permit for three years. The 70 seized lobster pots were forfeited.
Authorities Detail Outcome Of Blyth Enforcement Case
Sean Douglas, Head of Regulatory Assurance at the MMO, said:
“We are pleased to have secured this intelligence-led prosecution in coordination with our local partners. This outcome demonstrates the effectiveness of our joint enforcement and sends a clear message that we will take firm action against those who break the rules protect our marine environment and fish and shellfish stocks for future generations. I would like to thank all the officers and teams involved in bringing this prosecution to a successful conclusion.”
Nick Weir, Lead Enforcement Officer at NIFCA, said:
“NIFCA welcome the court’s decision to disqualify Mr and Mrs Denton from holding any IFC permit along with the fines and forfeiture ordered, we agree with the courts assessment of Mr and Mrs Denton’s ‘flagrant disregard’ fisheries legislation. Joint operations such as these show NIFCA’s commitment to promoting healthy seas, sustainable fishing, and a viable industry whilst vigorously pursuing anyone who jeopardises the health of the fishery. NIFCA would like to thank our partners at the Marine Management Organisation along with Park Square Barristers and Andrew Jackson Solicitors for their ongoing support.”
