Prohibition of Fishing with Multiple Trawls Order 2003 (S.I. No. 1559 of 2003).

The Order prohibits fishing with any net other than a single trawl. The prohibition applies to a relevant British fishing boat wherever it may be and to any Scottish or Northern Ireland fishing boat which is within relevant British fishery limits (art. 3(1)). The prohibition does not apply to beam trawlers, to fishing in certain areas with a net having a specified mesh size of not less than 80 millimetres or to fishing in any area with a net having a mesh size of 95 millimetres or more (art. 3(2)). Multiple trawls may be used in the Fladen area and three other specified areas provided they have a minimum mesh size of 80 millimetres (arts. 2(1) and 3(2)(b)). British Sea Fishery officers are given certain powers for the purpose of the enforcement of the Order (art. 4). Offences are prescribed by section 5(1) of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967 (c. 84).