Wayne Webb, 41, of Truro, was prosecuted after being spotted by Marine Fisheries Agency and Environment Agency officers on patrol last July on Ruan Creek on the River Fal.

Camborne magistrates heard today that Webb was seen fishing from a small boat inside the Fal Estuary Bass Nursery Area where it is an offence to catch bass between April 30 and January 1.

The fishing ban is designed to protect bass in estuaries where they congregate in relatively large numbers but where they are vulnerable to exploitation by commercial fisherman and anglers.

Webb admitted fishing within a prohibited nursery area, contrary to The Bass (Specified Areas) (Prohibition of Fishing) Order 1990 and was given a two year conditional discharge plus being ordered to pay £350 costs.

A Marine Fisheries Agency spokesman said:

"Wild bass command very high prices and are the target of a great deal of illegal fishing. The ban is to protect vulnerable bass in this important feeding and nursery area, it applies to commercial fisherman and anglers, and is designed to ensure the long term viability of the bass fishery. This prosecution came about due to the continuing close working relationship the Marine Fisheries Agency has built up with both the Environment Agency and Cornwall Sea Fisheries who are also tasked to protect fish stocks."

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