Explanatory note

This Order makes provision for the enforcement of the prohibition on retaining on board or landing more than 30 per cent of sole (Solea solea) taken in the North Sea, measured as a percentage by weight of the total catch of fish, crustaceans and molluscs, contained in article 1 of the Regulation adopted by the Commission of the European Communities on 6th February 1987 establishing temporary limits on landings of sole from the North Sea (“the Commission Regulation”).

Article 2 of the Order creates offences in respect of breaches of the provisions of article 1 of the Commission Regulation. Penalties, which may include the forfeiture of fish, nets and other fishing gear are specified for such offences (article 3). A provision corresponding to section 12 of the Sea Fisheries Act 1968 (c. 77) is made for the enforcement of fines by way of the issue of a warrant of distress (in Scotland a warrant of poinding and sale) and a detaining Order (article 4).

The Order confers powers of enforcement on British sea-fishery officers (article 5), and provision is made for the punishment of anyone found guilty of obstructing or assaulting such an officer (article 6).

The Order ceases to have effect on 16th April 1987 (article 1).