George Andrew Henry, skipper and part owner of the Adenia II LK193 and with an address of Noonsbrough, Clousta, Bixter, and John William Stewart, skipper and part owner of the Antarctic LK145 with an address of Hillview, Brough, Whalsay, both admitted the charges at Lerwick Sheriff Court .

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan told the court that both vessels had been on their way to an area just north of the 62-degree line, in which they intended to fish for Atlanto-Scandian herring.

However, when sighted and photographed by the fisheries protection agency, both vessels were found to have their nets in the water a few miles south of the line.

Mr Allan said that the skippers had taken the decision to shoot their gear in preparation for fishing but he assured the court that by that action no fish could have caught accidentally.

Sheriff Brodie fined Henry £1,000 and Stewart £1,500.

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