Cornwall fishermen fined nearly £10,000 for illegal lobster and crawfish fishing
Legal action follows investigations by Cornwall IFCA
A group of fishermen from Cornwall have been fined nearly £10,000 at Truro Magistrates’ Court following their admission of multiple fisheries offences.
The legal action was taken after investigations by Cornwall IFCA revealed illegal activities involving the fishing of berried lobsters and undersized crawfish.
James Bate, 36, from Padstow, and Jay Jepson, 23, along with Martin Gilbert, 61, from Newquay, were fined for fishing for berried lobsters and not returning them to the sea.
Additionally, Martin Gilbert and Jake Gilbert, 33, from Newquay, were fined for fishing for undersized crawfish and operating without a licence.
Jake Gilbert also pleaded guilty to failing to submit monthly shellfish returns to Cornwall IFCA.
The offences were linked to two fishing vessels: the Serene and the Golden Lancer.
The Serene Incident
On 14th March 2025, Cornwall IFCA officers boarded the vessel Serene and discovered equipment suspected of being used to remove lobster eggs. Though no illegal lobsters were found, officers believed lobsters were scrubbed to remove eggs.
On 20th March 2025, further evidence was gathered when officers observed James Bate appearing to scrub eggs off female lobsters.
Upon inspecting the vessel’s catch, they found lobsters with remains of unripe eggs and brush bristles containing fresh eggs.
The Golden Lancer Case
Another investigation involving the Golden Lancer, between 14th and 20th May 2025, revealed illegal storage of crawfish.
Officers recorded unlawful activities from the shore and later inspected the haul.
They found crawfish stored outside the legal fishing season, along with undersized and deceased specimens.
Mandatory returns for the vessel were also not received for the months of March, April, and May 2025.
Legal Proceedings and Fines
Martin Gilbert was ordered to pay £3,993 in fines and costs, while Jake Gilbert had to pay £3,938.
James Bate and Jay Jepson were each fined £948.
Simon Cadman, Principal Enforcement Officer for Cornwall IFCA, emphasized the importance of sustainability in local fisheries.
Cadman said, “The sustainability of lobster and crawfish fisheries are important to many Cornwall based fishers, fishing businesses and coastal communities, which is why legislation is in place to control fishing effort and uptake.
“The blatant disregard for many of the rules which was highlighted by our investigations, is extremely disappointing when crustacean fisheries are under pressure from legitimate fishing. The discovery of multiple serious offences from two of the fishing vessels owned by either Martin Gilbert or Jake Gilbert is most concerning.
“I hope these court proceedings leading to many convictions will encourage them, their skippers and crew to fish responsibly in future.”