News

Illegal scallop fishing lands skippers hefty fines

Published

10 years ago

March 21, 2016

Tom Sinclair

Accord M90: The vessel upon which the crimes were committed

THREE fisherman appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Mar 21) to face multiple charges, relating to fisheries offences committed in March and April 2014, and November 2013.
42-year-old Lee Wonnacott of Richard John Road in Milford Haven, and Mark Alberry of Gloucester Terrace in Haverfordwest, both pleaded guilty to dredging fishing contrary to restrictions, and contravening an order relating to the regulation of nets and other fishing gear.
Also in the dock was Timothy Bowman-Davies the owner of TBD Fishing Limited, who pleaded guilty to six offences of the same nature.

Prosecuting the case on behalf of the Welsh Government was James Subbiani, who told the court that the charges related to breaches of scallop fishing and prohibition fishing methods.
He said that the fishing vessel that Wonnacott and Alberry were sailing upon, Accord M90, was owned by a local company, TBD Fishing Ltd.
He said: “Between November 22 and 25, 2013, they left Fishguard Port and travelled to Cardigan Bay. They were undertaking fishing activities – a significant part of which was conducted in closed areas under the 2010 order of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967.
“They took a number of tows, then moved to North Lleyn. Here, a number of horse muscles are protected, and all fishing is prohibited: That area was targeted.”
On that occassion, the Accord M90 was skippered by Alberry. Mr Subbiani said that it “seems” to be that he deliberately targeted the prohibited area, due to the greater yield.
My Subbiani explained that analysis has shown that the areas that are closed to fishing have recovered significantly, and provided research to show that the scallops harvested, which were landed at Bangor, Gave a profit of over £3,000.
He said: “The offences came to light when fisheries officers analysed that tracking data. This is done under two systems called VMS Plus and Sucker Fish. The analysis identified this trip.”
The court heard how Alberry declined requests for interview, and difficulties arose relating to the identification of the skipper at the time of the offence.
Mr Subbiani took that moment to thank TBD Fishing Ltd for their compliance, and providing evidence relating to the identification to the skipper so that the prosecution could go ahead. However, due to the company being liable for the action of the skippers, this action landed the company in court in addition tot he skippers in doing so.
Mr Subbiani went on to say that on March 26 and April 4, Wonnacott was the skipper. A research vessel was undertaking work to ascertain information regarding the amount of scallops in Cardigan Bay, and that the outcome was that they found there had been a significant yield.
He said: “On April 4, 2014, support officers saw the vessel actively engaged in fishing activities in an enclosed area, and the Accord M90 was photographed.
“Wonnacott said he fell asleep and the vessel wandered into the enclosed area.”
He continued: “The Welsh Government Fisheries Office undertook further analysis, and found another trip on March 26.
“Cardigan Bay is a place of conservation, and has the highest levels of protection for sea beds, reefs, dolphins and whales. On too many occasions, I come to court as vessels have strayed.”
Mr Subbiani told the magistrates: “I have prosecuted Wonnacott before after he had been fishign in Cardigan Bay. He pleaded guilty to two offenced and was fined £7,000 – it seems he has not learnt his lesson.”
The court also heard how TBD Fishing Ltd have taken steps to ensure that this will not happen again, but no longer engaging in scallop fishing, and not allowing anybody other than the owner, Timothy Bowman-Davies or his son be the Master of a vessel.
Defence solicitor, Mark Layton said: “Timothy Bowman-Davies is the owner of the company, and through this dredging gained just under £10,000. However, the accounts ending May 31, 2014 and May 31, 2015 show a loss.
“There was a slight profit in 2013, but in 2014 suffered a huge loss in excess of £50,000. This attributes to the business venture relating to scallop fishing.
“TBD Fishing Ltd have never appeared before court in the past, and although Bowman-Davies is in the dock, he also appears as a prosecution wistness, in effect, against himself..”
Mr Layton told the court how Bowman-Davies had explained who was on board and how much was made, and he instructed the to go to Milford Haven’s Fisheries Office to make sure they understood the legalities of dredging for shellfish.
Mr Layton said: “He believed they would know where to go, and said that they were experienced fisherman and does not condone illegal fishing. Now, only he and his son are in control of the boats, and they no longer fish for scallops.
“It’s like someone having a company car and going for a frolic – he had no control over the skippers or what they were doing as he was not there.”
After considering the evidence, magistrates fined TBD Fishing Ltd a total of £2,000, and ordered that the company pays £100 victim surcharge and £763.50 costs to the Crown Proscution Service.
Both Lee Wonnacott and Mark Alberry must pay a fine of £1,000 each, and each pay a victim surcharge of £100 and costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £763.50.

Farming

Plaid urged to move faster on farming reforms amid subsidy concerns

Published

8 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Welsh Conservatives accuse Plaid Cymru of failing farmers as ministers call for patience over changes to agricultural support

CONCERNS over the pace of farming reforms in Wales have intensified after the Welsh Conservatives accused the Welsh Government of failing to act quickly enough on promised changes to agricultural subsidy schemes.

The criticism comes after Welsh Government Rural Resilience and Sustainability Minister, Llyr Gruffydd, urged farmers to be patient as major changes to support payments continue to be developed.

Speaking to ITV Wales, Mr Gruffydd acknowledged that “change is difficult” as the government seeks to reshape agricultural support across rural Wales. The comments come at a time of growing unease among parts of the farming community over the future of post-Brexit subsidy arrangements and concerns about financial pressures facing farms.

The reforms centre on replacing previous support systems with a new approach intended to balance food production, environmental sustainability and rural resilience. However, some farmers and unions have warned that uncertainty over payments and policy changes risks damaging confidence in the sector.

Reacting to the minister’s remarks, Welsh Conservative Shadow Farming Minister, Andrew RT Davies, said Plaid Cymru was not moving quickly enough to deliver on commitments made to Welsh farmers.

Mr Davies said: “Change is not difficult – contrary to Plaid Cymru separatists’ claims.

“If the will is there, there’s no reason reforms can’t be implemented immediately.

“Plaid Cymru separatists must fulfil their promises to Welsh farmers now.”

The comments reflect wider political tensions over the direction of farming policy in Wales, with opposition parties arguing that delays and uncertainty are creating anxiety for agricultural businesses already facing rising costs and economic pressures.

Farming remains a major part of the Welsh economy, particularly in rural counties such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion, where many communities rely heavily on agriculture and associated industries.

The Welsh Government has previously said changes to support schemes are aimed at creating a more sustainable long-term future for farming, though ministers have acknowledged the transition period will take time and may prove challenging for some in the industry.

The debate over subsidy reform is likely to remain a key political battleground as the government finalises details of its future support model and seeks to reassure farmers concerned about their livelihoods.

Community

Milford paddling pool could close after rowdy adults seen throwing glass bottles

Published

9 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN TOWN COUNCIL has warned that the town’s paddling pool could be drained and closed if anti-social behaviour continues.

The warning follows an incident today in which rowdy adults were reportedly drinking alcohol from glass bottles inside the pool enclosure and throwing a glass bottle around.

The council also said people were seen smoking cannabis just outside the gate.

In a statement, Milford Haven Town Council said the behaviour was “highly dangerous, irresponsible and inconsiderate” and “cannot and will not be tolerated”.

The council warned: “If this sort of behaviour continues we will have no choice but to consider draining and closing the pool.”

The paddling pool is run voluntarily by a dedicated group of councillors for the benefit of local families and visitors.

The council is now urging people to act responsibly so the facility can remain open and be enjoyed safely by everyone.

Business

WestJet’s first Toronto flight lands at Cardiff Airport

Published

9 hours ago

May 25, 2026

Tom Sinclair

New seasonal service restores direct link between Wales and Canada after nearly 20 years

CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed the first WestJet flight from Toronto, marking the return of a direct air link between Wales and Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.

The inaugural service from Toronto Pearson International Airport landed at Cardiff on Saturday (May 23), officially launching a new transatlantic route between South Wales and North America.

Passengers on the first arrival were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while Penarth choir Criw Canu welcomed the crew and customers with Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.

The new route will operate four times a week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Cardiff Airport said the service would open up new opportunities for tourism, business, investment and cultural links between Wales and Canada.

Toronto Pearson is also a major hub, offering onward connections to more than 100 destinations across Canada and the United States, including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS, attended the launch alongside guests including Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Lis Burnett, Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan Morfudd Meredith, Ontario’s Agent-General in London Sophia Arvanitis, Visit Wales and aviation industry partners.

Mr Price said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.

“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.

“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, described the launch as a landmark moment for the airport and for Wales.

He said: “The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America. It firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales.

“We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”

Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said the route was an important addition to the airline’s transatlantic network.

He said: “WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities.

“Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”

The Cardiff to Toronto service departs Cardiff at 11:35am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Toronto to Cardiff flights depart at 10:10pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.