Cornish Fishing Company and Skipper Fined for Illegal Shellfish Harvesting

A Penzance-based fishing company and its skipper have been fined for illegal shellfish harvesting following a successful prosecution by Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA). The case, heard at Truro Magistrates Court on March 5, 2025, exposed multiple offences related to the unlawful capture of undersized and protected crabs and lobsters.

Guilty Pleas and Significant Fines

Rowse Fishing Limited and Benjamin Edward Rowse (28), the relief master of the Emma Louise TO60, a 16.42m vivier potting vessel, pleaded guilty to several fisheries offences. The regular master, Raimonds Vimba (52), a Latvian national, did not attend court and is expected to appear at a later date.

As a result, Rowse Fishing Limited was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £7,397 in costs along with a £2,000 surcharge. Meanwhile, Ben Rowse received a fine of £1,053, with £1,000 in costs and a £421 surcharge.

Two Investigations Uncover Illegal Activity

The prosecution stemmed from two separate investigations conducted by Cornwall IFCA in April 2024 and January 2025 after officers inspected the Emma Louise TO60 at Newlyn Harbour upon its return from fishing trips off the Cornish coast. The offences included:

April 2024 Investigation (Regular Master – Raimonds Vimba)

• 74 undersized female edible crabs removed from Cornwall IFCA waters.
• 6 undersized male edible crabs illegally caught.
• 14 undersized spider crabs retained.
• 1 lobster with a mutilated tail landed.
• Failure to properly record and report species kept on board.

January 2025 Investigation (Relief Master – Ben Rowse)

• Fishing for berried (egg-bearing) lobsters, which is prohibited in British waters.
• Landing a mutilated lobster, which is illegal to prevent concealment of a v-notch.
• Failure to accurately log the master’s name and address.

Illegal Practices and Long-Term Impact on Fisheries

When officers examined the vivier tank aboard the vessel, they found six lobsters carrying eggs (berried lobsters). The eggs, which were not ready for hatching, showed signs of forcible removal, possibly through scrubbing with a stiff brush—a method often used to obscure evidence of illegal catches.

Further analysis of other female lobsters from the tank revealed similar signs of egg removal, supported by laboratory tests detecting biological cement—a substance that naturally binds eggs to a lobster’s tail. This evidence suggests that a much larger number of berried lobsters had been illegally caught and processed aboard the Emma Louise.

Protecting lobster stocks is critical for the sustainability of Cornwall’s fisheries. A single legally sized berried lobster can carry between 7,000 and 35,000 eggs, but only two out of 30,000 eggs are likely to reach maturity. Returning berried lobsters to the sea ensures the long-term survival of the species.

Cornwall IFCA’s Response

Simon Cadman, Principal Enforcement Officer at Cornwall IFCA, expressed concern that the company and its crew continued to flout the law, despite previous legal action.

“It is deeply concerning that a successful prosecution of Rowse Fishing Ltd and Ben Rowse in 2023 for similar offences in 2022 did not deter them from further illegal fishing in 2024 and 2025.”

He warned that such actions jeopardise the Cornish crab and lobster industry, threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen and the sustainability of marine stocks.

“It is simply unacceptable to take and sell undersized and pregnant shellfish, which are essential for maintaining a healthy fishery. I am pleased that the court has recognised the seriousness of the situation, and I hope the penalties imposed will serve as a wake-up call for these offenders.”

Looking Ahead

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Cornwall IFCA to combat illegal fishing and protect Cornwall’s rich marine ecosystem. The authority remains committed to enforcing fisheries regulations and ensuring that those who break the law face serious consequences.