Explanatory note

Article 3 of this Order prohibits the fishing for tope by any method other than by rod and line. The retention on board of tope up to a maximum liveweight of 45 kilogrammes per day is permitted.

Article 4 prohibits the trans-shipment of tope.

Article 5 prohibits the landing in England of tope caught by rod and line or beheaded tope.

Article 6 sets out the powers of British sea-fishery officers in respect of this Order, in addition to their powers under the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967. Criminal sanctions are prescribed by sections 5(1), 5(7), 6(5), 6(5A) and 11 of that Act.

A full impact assessment of the effect that this instrument will have on the costs of business and the voluntary sector is available from the Defra Resource Centre, Lower Ground Floor, Ergon House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR and is annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside the instrument on the Office of Public Sector Information website.