David Richards and Sunyana Sharma instructed in significant Falkland Islands fisheries case

11th July 2016

David Richards and Sunyana Sharma appeared in Stanley Magistrates’ Court, Falkland Islands in the largest ever fisheries prosecution brought in the Falkland Islands.

Both the Company and Master pleaded guilty and were sentenced for illegal fishing in Falkland Waters in breach of its fishing licence terms pursuant to s.167 of the Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Ordinance 2005 and 10 offences concerning the false reporting of catch data pursuant to regulation 61(3) of the Fishing Regulations Order 1987.

Following a catch verification in the port of Stanley, it was discovered that the Master had failed to declare 118,562.35kg of hake and had over declared 133,012.50kg of rock cod on board its vessel.

Both members of the 3PB Maritime Team appeared in Court in Stanley before the Senior Magistrate on 7 July 2016 where the owners of the vessel were fined £100,000 and the Master was fined £15,500.  A Cost Order and  Confiscation Order were also made.

David Richards represented the Master and Sunyana Sharma represented the Spanish owners of the Vessel.

The 3PB Marine Team, headed by David Richards, leads the way in Maritime and Fisheries regulatory law.  For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Stuart Smith, Practice Director on 020 7583 8055.?