Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 2003

Part 1 S Methods of fishing and offences related to fishing

Methods of fishing S

1 Methods of fishing: salmon S

(1) Any person who fishes for or takes salmon in any inland waters, except—

(a) by rod and line;

(b) by net and coble; or

(c) subject to subsections (4) and (5) below—

(i) by cruive; or

(ii) in the Solway, by a certificated fixed engine or a haaf net,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Subject to section 25 of this Act, any person who fishes for or takes salmon in any waters in a salmon fishery district other than inland waters except by—

(a) rod and line;

(b) net and coble; or

(c) bag net, fly net or other stake net,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) Without prejudice to section 294 (attempts to commit crime) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46), any person who attempts to commit or who does any act preparatory to the commission of an offence mentioned in this section shall be guilty of an offence, and liable to the same punishment as if that person had committed the offence mentioned.

(4) In relation to cruives—

(a) a right of fishing by cruive may be exercised if, and only if, it was in existence before 10th May 1951; and

(b) if a question arises in any proceedings as to whether any person is entitled to use a cruive it shall be for the person using or seeking to use the cruive to show that that person is, or has the permission of another person who is, so entitled.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (1)(c)(ii) above—

(a) “certificated fixed engine” means a fixed engine certificated as privileged under section 5 of the Solway Salmon Fisheries Commissioners Act 1877 (c.ccxl), and if a question arises in any proceedings as to whether any fixed engine is so certificated, it shall be for the person using or seeking to use the fixed engine to show that it is so certificated;

(b) in relation to haaf nets—

(i) a right of fishing by haaf net may be exercised at any location if, and only if, it was in existence before 10th May 1951; and

(ii) if a question arises in any proceedings as to whether a person is entitled to use a haaf net, it shall be for the person using or seeking to use such a net to show that that person is, or has the permission of another person who is, so entitled; and

(c) “the Solway” includes the rivers, streams or other watercourses running into the Solway.

(6) A person found guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 1 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

2 Methods of fishing: freshwater fish S

(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, any person who fishes for or takes freshwater fish in any inland waters except by rod and line shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(2) Without prejudice to section 294 (attempts to commit crime) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46), any person who attempts to commit or who does any act preparatory to the commission of the offence mentioned in subsection (1) above shall be guilty of an offence, and liable to the same punishment as if that person had committed the offence mentioned.

(3) In any pond or loch where all the owners are agreed, a right of fishing may be exercised by net.

(4) In any inland waters an owner or occupier may fish for or take freshwater fish, other than trout, by net or trap.

Commencement Information

I2 S. 2 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

3 [F1 Use of landing nets] S

Nothing in section 1 or 2 of this Act shall be construed as prohibiting the use of a [F2 knotless non-metallic] landing net [F3 (that is, a net the mesh of which is knotless and made of non-metallic material)] as auxiliary to the taking of fish by rod and line.

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 3 substituted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 19(2), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F2 Words in s. 3 substituted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 19(1)(a), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F3 Words in s. 3 inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 19(1)(b), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 3 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

[F4 3A Fishing by rod and line S

(1) For the purposes of this Act, a person shall be treated as fishing for or taking fish by rod and line in the circumstances set out in subsection (2), (3) or (4) only if the condition specified in the relevant subsection is met.

(2) Where a person—

(a) is fishing for or taking salmonids, and

(b) is not doing so from a boat,

the condition is that the person uses a single rod and line and that the rod is being held by the person.

(3) Where a person—

(a) is fishing for or taking freshwater fish other than salmonids, and

(b) is not doing so from a boat,

the condition is that the person uses no more than 4 rods for that purpose at any one time.

(4) Where a person—

(a) is fishing for or taking fish, and

(b) is doing so from a boat,

the condition is that no more than 4 rods are used on the boat for that purpose at any one time.

(5) In this section, “ salmonids ” means all fish of the family Salmonidae. ]

Textual Amendments

F4 S. 3A inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 20(1), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

4 Meaning of “rod and line” S

(1) In this Act “rod and line” means F5 ... rod and line (used otherwise than as a set line or by way of [F6 foul hooking]) with such bait or lure as is not prohibited by this section or, in relation to fishing for salmon, under section 33 or 38(5)(b) of this Act [F7 or, in relation to fishing for freshwater fish, under section 51A of this Act].

(2) It is prohibited to use [F8 live vertebrates,] fish roe, fire or light as bait or lure.

[F9 (3) In subsection (1)—

• “ foul hooking ” means pointing, or any other method of hooking or attempting to hook a fish other than by inducing the fish to take the hook in its mouth by reason of the bait or lure;

• “ set line ” means a fishing line left unattended in water and having attached to it one or more lures or baited hooks. ]

Textual Amendments

F5 Word in s. 4(1) repealed (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 20(2)(a)(i), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F6 Words in s. 4(1) substituted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 20(2)(a)(ii), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F7 Words in s. 4(1) added (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 24(2), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F8 Words in s. 4(2) inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 20(2)(b), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F9 S. 4(3) inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 20(2)(c), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

Commencement Information

I4 S. 4 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

Offences related to fishing for salmon and freshwater fish S

5 Prohibition against using explosive and other noxious substances for the destruction or taking of fish S

(1) Any person who—

(a) uses any explosive substance with intent to take or destroy fish in any waters (including the sea up to 22 kilometres from the baselines from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured);

(b) puts any poison or other noxious substance in or near any such waters with intent to take or destroy fish; or

(c) uses any electrical device with intent to stun or destroy salmon or freshwater fish in any such waters,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Without prejudice to section 294 (attempts to commit crime) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46), any person who attempts to commit or who does any act preparatory to the commission of an offence mentioned in subsection (1) above shall be guilty of an offence, and liable to the same punishment as if that person had committed the offence mentioned.

(3) A person found guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both such fine and such imprisonment; and

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both a fine and such imprisonment.

Commencement Information

I5 S. 5 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

[F10 5A Prohibition against using pike gags and certain keepnets S

(1) Any person who uses a pike gag in relation to the fishing for or taking of fish shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2) Any person who uses—

(a) a knotted keepnet (that is, a keepnet the mesh of which is knotted),

(b) a metallic keepnet, (that is, a keepnet the mesh of which is made of metallic material),

in relation to the fishing for or taking of fish shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(3) Without prejudice to section 294 (attempts to commit crime) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, any person who attempts to commit or who does any act preparatory to the commission of the offence mentioned in subsection (1) or (2) above shall be guilty of an offence, and liable to the same punishment as if that person had committed the offence mentioned.

(4) In subsection (1), “ pike gag ” means a device used for the purpose of keeping the jaws of a fish open by inserting it into the mouth of the fish. ]

Textual Amendments

F10 S. 5A inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 21, 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

6 Fishing for salmon without right or permission S

(1) Any person who without legal right, or without written permission from a person having such right, fishes for or takes salmon in any waters, including any part of the sea within 1.5 kilometres of mean low water springs, shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2) Without prejudice to section 294 (attempts to commit crime) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46), any person who attempts to commit or who does any act preparatory to the commission of the offence mentioned in subsection (1) above shall be guilty of an offence, and liable to the same punishment as if that person had committed the offence mentioned.

Commencement Information

I6 S. 6 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

7 Illegal fishing by two or more persons acting together S

If two or more persons acting together do any act which would constitute an offence under section 1, 2 or 6 of this Act, every such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section, and liable—

(a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both such fine and such imprisonment; and

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both a fine and such imprisonment.

Commencement Information

I7 S. 7 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

8 Taking of dead salmon or trout S

(1) F11 ... any person other than—

(a) a constable or a water bailiff in the exercise of their respective duties;

(b) a person authorised in that regard by the Scottish Ministers or a district salmon fishery board; or

(c) a person with a right to fish therein or the agent of any such person,

who takes or removes dead salmon or trout from any waters, including any part of the sea within 1.5 kilometres of low water mark, shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(2) Without prejudice to section 294 (attempts to commit crime) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46), any person who attempts to commit or who does any act preparatory to the commission of the offence mentioned in subsection (1) above shall be guilty of an offence, and liable to the same punishment as if that person had committed the offence mentioned.

Textual Amendments

F11 Words in s. 8(1) omitted (27.3.2009) by virtue of Aquatic Animal Health (Scotland) Regulations 2009 (S.S.I. 2009/85), reg. 1(2)(c), Sch. 2 para. 10(a) (with reg. 2.)

Commencement Information

I8 S. 8 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

9 Illegal possession of salmon or trout S

(1) Any person who is found in possession of any salmon or trout, or any instrument, explosive, poison or other noxious substance which could be used in the taking of salmon or trout, in circumstances which afford reasonable ground for suspecting that that person has obtained possession of such salmon or trout, or such instrument, explosive, poison or substance as the result or for the purpose of committing an offence under any of the provisions of sections 1, 2, 5, 6 or 7 of this Act, may be charged with unlawful possession as aforesaid of such salmon or trout, or of such instrument, explosive, poison or substance.

(2) Where the court is satisfied that a person charged under subsection (1) above obtained possession of salmon or trout, or of any instrument, explosive, poison or other noxious substance as the result or for the purpose of committing an offence under any of the provisions of sections 1, 2, 5, 6 or 7 of this Act, that person may be convicted of unlawful possession as aforesaid and dealt with in like manner as if that person had been convicted of the same offence.

(3) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

Commencement Information

I9 S. 9 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

10 Offences in relation to passage of salmon S

(1) Any person who does any act for the purpose of preventing salmon from passing through any fish pass, or taking any salmon in its passage through the same, shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(2) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

Commencement Information

I10 S. 10 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

11 Fishing in waters where fishing rights owned by one person S

(1) Any person who without legal right, or without permission from a person having such right, fishes in a proper stank or loch shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.

(2) For the purposes of this section—

• “proper stank or loch” means a stank or loch the fishing rights in which are owned by one person; and

• “stank” means a reservoir or pond with neither inlet nor outlet sufficient to allow access or egress by fish.

Commencement Information

I11 S. 11 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

12 Contravention of protection order S

(1) Any person who fishes for or takes freshwater fish in contravention of a prohibition contained in a protection order made under section 48 of this Act shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2) Without prejudice to section 294 (attempts to commit crime) of, and paragraph 10 of Schedule 3 to, the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46), any person who attempts to commit or who does any act preparatory to the commission of the offence mentioned in subsection (1) above shall be guilty of an offence and liable to the same punishment as if that person had committed the offence mentioned.

Commencement Information

I12 S. 12 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

Close times for salmon S

13 Weekly close time for salmon S

(1) The weekly close time for salmon shall extend from the hour of six in the evening on Friday to the hour of six on the following Monday morning.

(2) No person shall fish for or take salmon during Sunday.

(3) No person shall fish for or take salmon (except during Friday, Saturday or Monday by rod and line) during the weekly close time.

(4) Any person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(5) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

(6) This section is subject to section 31(5) of this Act.

Commencement Information

I13 S. 13 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

14 Fishing for salmon during annual close time S

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, any person who fishes for or takes salmon during the annual close time within the meaning of section 37 of this Act shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(2) It shall not be an offence to fish for or take salmon by means of rod and line at any period within the annual close time when such fishing is permitted [F12 in the district in which the fishing occurs—

(a) by the regulations or byelaws in force in that district;

(b) by a designation order made in respect of that district;

(c) in accordance with the provisions mentioned in section 37(2)(b) of this Act as they apply in respect of that district;

(d) by an annual close time order made in respect of that district; or

(e) by regulations under section 38 of this Act that make provision as mentioned in subsection (5)(c) of that section in respect of that district.]

(3) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

Textual Amendments

F12 Words in s. 14(2) substituted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 31, 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

Commencement Information

I14 S. 14 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

15 Removal of boats and nets during annual close time S

(1) The proprietor or occupier of any salmon fishery shall within thirty-six hours after the commencement of the annual close time—

(a) remove and carry from such fishery, and from the landing places and grounds adjacent thereto, all boats, oars, nets, engines and other tackle used or employed by such occupier in taking salmon; and

(b) effectually secure the same so as to prevent their being used in fishing until the end of the close time,

with the exception of such boats and oars as may be used in angling.

(2) The proprietor or occupier of any cruive shall within thirty-six hours after the commencement of the annual close time—

(a) remove and carry away all the hecks, rails and inscales;

(b) effectually secure the same so as to prevent their being used in fishing; and

(c) remove all planks and temporary fixtures and other obstructions to the free passage of fish through the cruive.

(3) Any proprietor or occupier who fails to comply with the duty imposed by subsection (1) or, as the case may be, (2) above shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(4) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

(5) Nothing in this section applies to—

(a) any ferry-boat or prevents the continued use of any boat by the owner, or the family of the owner, of lands, if the boat has the owner’s name painted on it, and is secured, when not in use for lawful purposes, by lock and key;

(b) the pins fixed in the ground to assist in the support of the stakes or poles of fly nets or other stake nets;

(c) the fastenings fixed in rocks for the support of bag nets; or

(d) the pins and poles of certificated fixed engines.

Commencement Information

I15 S. 15 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

16 Buying and selling salmon in close time S

(1) Any person who buys, sells, exposes for sale or is in possession of, any salmon taken within the limits of this Act during the period when the annual close time is in force in every salmon fishery district and in the River Tweed, shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2) It shall be a defence to a prosecution brought under this section for the accused to prove that the salmon was caught lawfully.

(3) The burden of proving that any salmon was caught beyond the limits of this Act shall lie on the person charged with selling, exposing for sale, or being in possession of, the salmon.

(4) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

Commencement Information

I16 S. 16 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

Close time for trout S

17 Annual close time for trout S

(1) The annual close time for trout shall extend from 7th October to 14th March, both inclusive.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, any person who, during the annual close time for trout—

(a) fishes for or takes trout in any inland waters; or

(b) is in possession of trout,

shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(3) It shall not be an offence under this section for the owner or occupier of any water where trout are kept in captivity or artificially reared or fed, or any person employed by such a person, to take trout from such water during the annual close time—

(a) for scientific or breeding purposes;

(b) for the purpose of removing them or having them removed, alive, to other waters.

(4) It shall not be an offence under this section for a person to whom trout are consigned, whether by sale or otherwise, for the purpose mentioned in subsection (3)(b) above, to be in possession of such trout.

[F13 (5) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.]

Textual Amendments

F13 S. 17(5) inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), s. 45(2), Sch. para. 6(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1) (with art. 4)

Commencement Information

I17 S. 17 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

[F14 Close times for freshwater fish S

Textual Amendments

F14 S. 17A - S. 17B inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 22, 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

17A Weekly close time for freshwater fish S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may by order, after consulting such persons as they consider appropriate, specify a weekly close time for freshwater fish.

(2) An order under subsection (1) may make different provision for different species of freshwater fish.

(3) During a weekly close time specified by virtue of subsection (1), no person shall fish for or take such freshwater fish as are so specified in relation to that close time.

(4) Any person who contravenes an order made under this section shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(5) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

(6) An order under subsection (1) may specify that the effect of the order is applicable only to a particular part or area of Scotland.

17B Annual close time for freshwater fish other than trout S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may by order, after consulting such persons as they consider appropriate, specify an annual close time for freshwater fish other than trout.

(2) An order under subsection (1) may make different provision for different species of freshwater fish.

(3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5) below, any person who, during the annual close time specified by virtue of subsection (1) in relation to a species of fish—

(a) fishes for or takes such fish in any inland waters; or

(b) is in possession of such fish,

shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(4) It shall not be an offence under this section for the owner or occupier of any water where fish in relation to which an annual close time is specified by virtue of subsection (1) are kept in captivity or artificially reared or fed, or any person employed by such a person, to take such fish from such water during the annual close time—

(a) for scientific or breeding purposes;

(b) for the purpose of removing them or having them removed, alive, to other waters.

(5) It shall not be an offence under this section for a person to whom fish are consigned, whether by sale or otherwise, for the purpose mentioned in subsection (4)(b) above, to be in possession of such fish.

(6) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

(7) An order under subsection (1) may specify that the effect of the order is applicable only to a particular part or area of Scotland.]

Offences related to sale, purchase and possession of salmon and trout S

18 Unclean salmon S

(1) Any person who—

(a) wilfully takes or fishes for; or

(b) buys, sells, exposes for sale or is in possession of,

any unclean or unseasonable salmon shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2) Subsection (1)(a) above does not apply to any person who takes such fish accidentally and forthwith returns it to the water with the least possible injury.

(3) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

Commencement Information

I18 S. 18 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

19 Salmon roe S

(1) Any person who buys, sells, exposes for sale or is in possession of any salmon roe shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2) Subsection (1) above shall not apply to any person who gives a reason, satisfactory to the court before which that person is charged, for being in possession of salmon roe.

(3) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) above to prove—

(a) that the roe had been produced in the course of fish farming within the meaning given by section 33(6) of the Fisheries Act 1981 (c. 29); or

(b) that that person believed on reasonable grounds that it had been so produced.

(4) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

(5) Subsection (3) above is without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (2) above relating to the circumstances in which subsection (1) above does not apply.

Commencement Information

I19 S. 19 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

20 Possessing salmon which have been illegally taken, killed or landed S

(1) Any person who—

(a) is in possession of salmon and believes; or

(b) is in possession of salmon in circumstances in which it would be reasonable for that person to suspect,

that a relevant offence has at any time been committed in relation to the salmon shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) A person found guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or to both such fine and such imprisonment; and

(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to both a fine and such imprisonment.

(3) It shall be a defence in proceedings for an offence under this section for the accused to show that no relevant offence had in fact been committed in relation to the salmon.

(4) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

(5) For the purposes of this section an offence is a relevant offence in relation to a salmon if—

(a) it is committed by taking, killing or landing that salmon, either in Scotland or in England and Wales; or

(b) that salmon is taken, killed or landed, either in Scotland or in England and Wales in the course of the commission of the offence,

and, for the purposes of this subsection, “offence”, in relation to the taking, killing or landing of salmon either in Scotland or in England and Wales means an offence under the law applicable to the place where the salmon is taken, killed or landed.

(6) A person shall not be guilty of an offence under this section in respect of conduct which constitutes a relevant offence in relation to any salmon or in respect of anything done in good faith for purposes connected with the prevention or detection of crime or the investigation or treatment of disease.

Commencement Information

I20 S. 20 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

21 Packages of salmon or trout to be marked S

(1) Any person who consigns or sends by any common or other carrier any salmon or trout in a package which is not marked conspicuously on the outside with—

(a) the word “salmon” or “sea trout” or, as the case may be, “trout”; and

(b) the name and address of the sender,

shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2) An authorised person may open any package consigned or sent or brought to any place to be consigned or sent, and suspected to contain salmon or trout.

(3) Where a package opened under subsection (2) above is found to contain salmon or trout and—

(a) the package is not marked as described in subsection (1) above; or

(b) there is reasonable cause to suspect that salmon or trout contained in any package so marked is being dealt with contrary to law,

an authorised person may detain the package and its contents pending proceedings for an offence against any provision of this Act.

(4) If, before the conclusion of such proceedings as are mentioned in subsection (3) above, any salmon or trout detained under that subsection becomes unfit for human consumption, any authorised person may destroy it, or cause it to be destroyed.

(5) Any person who—

(a) refuses to allow an authorised person to exercise a power conferred by this section; or

(b) obstructs any authorised person in the exercise of a power so conferred,

shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(6) For the purposes of this section an “authorised person” means—

(a) any constable;

(b) any water bailiff;

(c) any person appointed for the purposes of this section by the Scottish Ministers.

Commencement Information

I21 S. 21 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

[F15 21A Salmon carcass tagging S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision for or in connection with tagging the carcasses of salmon.

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) above may, in particular, make provision—

(a) about—

(i) the nature and form of tags,

(ii) the information which tags are to contain and the nature and form of that information,

(iii) applications for, and the supply, issue and storage of, tags,

(iv) the persons or descriptions of persons who may supply and issue tags, including provision about registration of such persons,

(v) the method of affixing tags to carcasses and the circumstances in which, and the time at or by which, they are to be affixed,

(vi) the circumstances in which, and the time at or by which, tags may be removed,

(vii) the steps to be taken in the event of loss of, or damage to, tags,

(b) for or about the keeping of records in connection with fishing for, taking, and tagging of salmon to which the regulations apply (including the form and content of such records),

(c) for or about the inspection or examination of those records, or the information contained in them, by persons or descriptions of persons mentioned in paragraph (e) below, by such methods as the regulations may specify, and the steps to be taken in the event of loss of, or damage to, the records,

(d) for or about the inspection or examination of tags by persons or descriptions of persons mentioned in paragraph (e) below, including provision about the retention of tags after their removal,

(e) for or about persons, or descriptions of persons, responsible for enforcing and ensuring compliance with the regulations (including the appointment and functions of such persons),

(f) for or about the seizure, detention and destruction by persons, or descriptions of persons, mentioned in paragraph (e) above of salmon—

(i) that have not been tagged, or

(ii) from which a tag has been removed otherwise than,

in accordance with the provisions of the regulations,

(g) for or about the imposition by the Scottish Ministers of charges for the recovery of any reasonable costs they incur in connection with the supply or issue of tags (including charges in relation to the administration costs associated with the imposition of such charges),

(h) for exemptions and exceptions to the regulations and for matters in respect of which the regulations do not apply.

(3) Regulations under subsection (1) above may make—

(a) different provision for different purposes and areas,

(b) incidental, supplemental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision,

(c) such modifications of Part 5 of this Act as the Scottish Ministers think fit.

(4) A person commits an offence if the person—

(a) sells, offers or exposes for sale, or has in the person's possession, any salmon—

(i) that has not been tagged in accordance with regulations under subsection (1) above, or

(ii) from which a tag has been removed otherwise than in accordance with such regulations,

(b) acts in contravention of such regulations, or

(c) fails to take any action required of that person or (as the case may be) fails to comply with any requirement imposed on that person by such regulations.

(5) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (4)(c) above to show that the person had a reasonable excuse for failing to take any action or comply with any requirement as mentioned in that subsection.

(6) A person who commits an offence under subsection (4) above—

(a) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale,

(b) may be convicted on the evidence of one person.]

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 21A inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 26(2), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

22 Size limit for selling trout S

(1) Subject to subsection (2) below, any person who purchases, sells, exposes for sale, consigns for sale, exports or consigns for export—

(a) trout under 20 centimetres in length; or

(b) any trout at any time between 1st September and 31st March both inclusive,

shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to live trout sold or disposed of for the purpose of stocking any river, loch or water, or of artificial propagation.

Commencement Information

I22 S. 22 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

Protection of young salmon S

23 Young salmon and spawning beds S

(1) Any person who—

(a) knowingly takes, injures or destroys;

(b) buys, sells, exposes for sale or is in possession of; or

(c) places any device or engine for the purpose of obstructing the passage of,

any smolt, parr, salmon fry or alevin shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Any person who knowingly—

(a) injures or disturbs any salmon spawn; or

(b) disturbs any spawning bed or any bank or shallow in which the spawn of salmon may be,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(3) Any person who during the annual close time obstructs or impedes salmon in their passage to any such bed, bank or shallow shall be guilty of an offence.

(4) Subsections (1) to (3) above shall not apply to acts done in the course of cleaning or repairing any dam or mill-lade, or in the exercise of rights of property in the bed of any river or stream.

(5) Notwithstanding subsections (1) to (3) above and subject to subsection (6) below, a district salmon fishery board may, with the consent of all the proprietors of salmon fisheries in any river or estuary, adopt such means as they think fit for preventing the ingress of salmon into narrow streams in which they or the spawning beds are from the nature of the channel liable to be destroyed.

(6) Nothing done under subsection (5) above may interfere with any water rights used or enjoyed for the purposes of manufacture, agriculture or drainage.

(7) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness, and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

Commencement Information

I23 S. 23 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

F16 24 Unauthorised introduction of salmon or salmon eggs into certain waters S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F16 S. 24 repealed (1.8.2008) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 35(1), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(2)

Commencement Information

I24 S. 24 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

Offences in relation to the Solway S

25 Fixed engines in the Solway S

(1) Any person who, for the purpose of taking, or obstructing the free passage of, salmon, places or uses an uncertificated fixed engine in the Solway shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(2) In subsection (1) above—

• “fixed engine” includes any net or other implement for taking fish which is fixed to the soil or made stationary in any other way; and

• “uncertificated” means not having been certificated as privileged under section 5 of the Solway Salmon Fisheries Commissioners (Scotland) Act 1877 (c.ccxl).

Commencement Information

I25 S. 25 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

26 Fishing without legal right in the Solway S

(1) Any person who, without legal right, or without permission of a person having such right, takes or fishes for any fish other than salmon in any of the rivers, streams or other watercourses running into the Solway shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.

(2) This section shall not apply to the River Annan and, in this subsection, “the River Annan” includes—

(a) the rivers, streams or other watercourses running into the River Annan; and

(b) the coast of the Solway between the west bank of the River Sark and the east bank of the Lochar Water.

Commencement Information

I26 S. 26 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

Exemptions S

27 Exemption from certain offences in respect of acts done for scientific and other purposes: salmon S

(1) A person shall not, in respect of any act or omission relating to salmon or salmon roe or eggs, be guilty of a contravention of an enactment prohibiting or regulating that act or omission if—

(a) the act or omission is for—

(i) some scientific purpose;

(ii) the purpose of protecting, improving or developing stocks of fish; or

(iii) the purpose of conserving any creature or other living thing; and

(b) that person has obtained the previous permission in writing—

(i) if the act or omission is one to which this sub-paragraph applies, of the district salmon fishery board for the salmon fishery district in which it takes place or of the Scottish Ministers; and

(ii) in any other case, of the Scottish Ministers,

for the act or omission.

[F17 (1A) In granting permission under subsection (1) above, a district salmon fishery board or (as the case may be) the Scottish Ministers may impose conditions or requirements.

(1B) A person commits an offence if the person—

(a) acts in contravention of any such condition or requirement; or

(b) fails to take any action required of the person by any such condition or requirement.

(1C) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1B)(b) above to show that the person had a reasonable excuse for failing to take the action mentioned in that subsection.

(1D) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1B) above is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.]

(2) Sub-paragraph (i) of subsection (1)(b) above applies if the act or omission referred to in that sub-paragraph takes place in a salmon fishery district for which there is a district salmon fishery board; and is a contravention of section 1, 2, 5(1)(c), 18, 19 or 23 of this Act.

(3) A permission under subsection (1) above shall specify the act or omission permitted[F18 , any conditions or requirements imposed under subsection (1A) above] and the enactment to which the permission relates.

Textual Amendments

F17 S. 27(1A)-(1D) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 33(2)(a), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

F18 Words in s. 27(3) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 33(2)(b), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

Commencement Information

I27 S. 27 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

28 Exemption from certain offences in respect of acts done for scientific and other purposes: fish other than salmon S

(1) A person shall not be guilty of any contravention of a provision specified in subsection (2) below in respect of any act in relation to fish other than salmon, if that person does the act for—

(a) some scientific purpose; or

(b) the purpose of protecting, improving or developing stocks of fish,

and has obtained the previous permission in writing of the Scottish Ministers.

(2) The provisions are—

(a) sections 2, 5, 8, 9, 17[F19 , 17A, 17B] or 22 of this Act;

(b) section 7 of this Act, so far as it relates to the said section 2; F20 ...

(c) section 30F(1) of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 (c. 40) (pollution of controlled waters).

[F21 (3) In granting permission under subsection (1) above, the Scottish Ministers may impose conditions or requirements.

(4) A person commits an offence if the person—

(a) acts in contravention of any such condition or requirement; or

(b) fails to take any action required of the person by any such condition or requirement.

(5) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (4)(b) above to show that the person had a reasonable excuse for failing to take the action mentioned in that subsection.

(6) A person who commits an offence under subsection (4) above is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.]

Textual Amendments

F19 Words in s. 28(2)(a) inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 23(1), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F20 S. 28(2)(c) repealed (1.4.2006) by Water Environment (Consequential and Savings Provisions) (Scotland) Order 2006 (S.S.I. 2006/181), art. 1, Sch. Pt. I (with Sch. Pt. III)

F21 S. 28(3)-(6) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 33(3), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

Commencement Information

I28 S. 28 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

29 Exemption from certain offences in respect of certain acts in relation to salmon S

(1) A person shall not, in respect of any act or omission relating to fishing for or taking salmon, be guilty of a contravention of an enactment prohibiting or regulating that act or omission if the act or omission has been exempted by the Scottish Ministers.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may exempt an act or omission under subsection (1) above only if they are satisfied that—

(a) the proprietor of every affected salmon fishery in the salmon fishery district in which the act or omission is to take place, being a salmon fishery entered in the valuation roll; and

(b) if there is one, the district salmon fishery board for that district,

have previously consented to it.

(3) In subsection (2) above “affected” means appearing to the Scottish Ministers to be likely to be affected by the exemption.

(4) An exemption under this section—

(a) may relate only to such person as may be specified in it;

(b) may be subject to such conditions as may be so specified;

(c) shall be in writing;

(d) shall specify—

(i) the limits of the waters to which it relates;

(ii) its duration; and

(iii) the enactment to which it relates.

Commencement Information

I29 S. 29 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

30 Exemptions in relation to fish farming S

(1) Subject to subsections (2) to (6) below, a person shall not be guilty of a contravention of any of sections 1, 2, 5(1)(b) and (c),[F22 6, 8,] 13(2) and (3), 14(1), 15 to 18 [F23 , 22(1) and 23], or regulations under[F24 section 21A or ] section 31(1)(a) or (d), of this Act in respect of any act or omission if the act or the omission takes place within, and in the course of the operation of, a fish farm.

(2) There shall be no contravention of paragraph (b) or (c) of section 5(1) of this Act, by virtue of subsection (1) above, in respect of an act referred to in those paragraphs if, and only if, the act is carried out with the consent of the Scottish Ministers.

[F25 (2A) In granting consent under subsection (2) above, the Scottish Ministers may impose conditions or requirements.

(2B) A person commits an offence if the person—

(a) acts in contravention of any such condition or requirement; or

(b) fails to take any action required of the person by any such condition or requirement.

(2C) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (2B)(b) above to show that the person had a reasonable excuse for failing to take the action mentioned in that subsection.

(2D) A person who commits an offence under subsection (2B) above is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.]

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1) above, the act of selling or exporting fish by or on behalf of a person who has reared the fish in a fish farm shall be deemed to be an act carried out within a fish farm in the course of the operation of that farm.

(4) In any proceedings for an offence under section 15 of this Act in relation to a boat or other thing mentioned in that section which is not in a fish farm, it shall be a defence for the person charged with such offence to prove that the act or omission complained of was necessary for the purpose of the operation of a fish farm.

(5) It shall be a defence for a person charged with an offence under section 16, 17(2)(b),[F26 17B(3)(b),] 18(1)(b)[F27 , 21A(4)(a) or (b)] or 22 of this Act to show that that person believed on reasonable grounds that the fish with respect to which the offence is alleged to have been committed were produced by fish farming.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (5) above “fish farming” means the breeding, rearing or cultivating of fish, whether or not for the purpose of producing food for human consumption; but the reference in that subsection to fish produced by fish farming does not include fish bred, reared or cultivated in captivity which have later been released to the wild.

Textual Amendments

F22 Words in s. 30(1) inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 23(2)(a)(i), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F23 Words in s. 30(1) substituted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 23(2)(a)(ii), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F24 Words in s. 30(1) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 26(3)(a), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

F25 S. 30(2A)-(2D) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 33(4), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

F26 Word in s. 30(5) inserted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 23(2)(b), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

F27 Words in s. 30(5) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 26(3)(b), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

Commencement Information

I30 S. 30 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

Regulation of salmon fisheries S

31 Salmon fishing: general regulations S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may, after consulting such persons as they consider appropriate, make regulations with respect to—

(a) the due observance of the weekly close time for salmon;

(b) the construction and use of cruives;

(c) the construction and alteration of dams, lades or water wheels so as to afford a reasonable means for the passage of salmon;

(d) the meshes, materials and dimensions of nets used in fishing for or taking salmon;

(e) obstructions in rivers or estuaries to the passage of salmon;

(f) the construction, alteration and use for the control of the passage of salmon of—

(i) screens in off-takes from inland waters; and

(ii) structures associated with such screens.

(2) Regulations made under paragraphs (c) or (f) of subsection (1) above—

(a) may except from a regulation or part of a regulation any works or any category of works; and

(b) are subject to section 32 of this Act.

(3) The power to make regulations under subsection (1)(d) above includes power—

(a) to make different provision for different districts or different parts of a district; and

(b) to except from the application of a regulation or part of a regulation a district or part of a district specified in the regulations.

(4) For the purposes of section 1 of this Act, and after consulting such persons as they consider appropriate, the Scottish Ministers may by regulations define fishing for or taking salmon by—

(a) net and coble;

(b) bag net, fly net or other stake net;

(c) haaf net,

whether by reference to anything used for the purpose, or to the circumstances in which or method by which it is so used, or to any combination thereof; and, in relation to net and coble, may make different provision as respects inland waters from that made as respects other waters.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may, after consulting such persons as they consider appropriate, make regulations amending section 13 of this Act, but such regulations shall not reduce—

(a) the weekly close time to a period of less than 42 hours;

(b) the period within the weekly close time during which it is permitted to fish for salmon by rod and line to less than [F28 18] hours; or

(c) the period during which all fishing for salmon is prohibited to less than 24 hours.

(6) Any proprietor or occupier of a fishery at which stake weirs, stake nets, fly nets or bag nets are used who fails, in regard to such weirs or nets, to do all acts required by regulations made under subsection (1) above for the observance of the weekly close time shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(7) Any person who contravenes a regulation made under this section shall be guilty of an offence, and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.

(8) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.

Textual Amendments

F28 Word in s. 31(5)(b) substituted (1.8.2007) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), s. 45(2), Sch. para. 6(3) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(1)

Commencement Information

I31 S. 31 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

32 Exception from regulations with respect to the construction of dams, lades and water wheels S

(1) No regulations made under this Act with respect to the construction and alteration of dams, lades or waterwheels, so as to afford a reasonable means for the passage of salmon, shall apply to streams or branches or tributaries of rivers which are of such small size as not to be frequented by salmon, nor to dam dykes which in the average state of the river do not obstruct the passage of salmon.

(2) Where in any intake lade there is a sufficient sluice, it shall not be necessary to remove the said sluice to a higher point of the lade, nor to construct an additional sluice at the intake thereof.

(3) It shall be lawful to lift any heck from out the water as a means of protection during a flood, or when the river is encumbered with ice, or with weeds and floating leaves to an extent to choke the heck.

Commencement Information

I32 S. 32 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

33 Salmon fishing: regulations as to baits and lures S

(1) Without prejudice to section 38(5)(b) of this Act and subject to subsections (2) to (7) below, the Scottish Ministers may make regulations prohibiting the use of specified baits and lures for the purposes of the definition of “rod and line” in section 4(1) of this Act in the case of fishing for salmon.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may make regulations under subsection (1) above only on an application to them made in accordance with subsection (5) below.

(3) An application under subsection (2) above may be made by—

(a) a district salmon fishery board; or

(b) one or more such boards jointly,

and any reference in this section to an “applicant” shall be construed accordingly.

(4) Regulations made in respect of an application under subsection (2) above shall be made only in respect of the district of the applicant.

(5) An application under subsection (2) above shall be accompanied by the applicant’s written proposals which shall state—

(a) the baits and lures the use of which it is proposed should be prohibited;

(b) the places to which and the times during which the proposed regulations should apply; and

(c) the reasons for the proposals,

and the application and proposals mentioned in this subsection may be communicated and stored electronically.

(6) Regulations under subsection (1) above shall specify, subject to such exceptions as may be provided therein, all or any, or a combination of, the following—

(a) baits and lures or classes of baits or lures, the use of which is prohibited;

(b) times when the regulations apply;

(c) areas to which the regulations apply.

[F29 (6A) Regulations under subsection (1) above may impose requirements on district salmon fishery boards in relation to monitoring and evaluation of the effect of the regulations on salmon stocks.

(6B) A district salmon fishery board commits an offence if the board—

(a) acts in contravention of any such requirements; or

(b) fails to take any action required of the board by any such requirements.

(6C) A board which commits an offence under subsection (6B) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.]

(7) Paragraphs [F30 9B] to 15 of schedule 1 to this Act shall apply to the making of regulations under subsection (1) above as they apply to the making of the orders or regulations mentioned in those paragraphs; and references to an applicant, and to an application, under paragraph 1 of that schedule shall be construed respectively as references to an applicant, and to an application, under subsection (2) above.

[F31 (8) The Scottish Ministers may by order vary the provisions of—

(a) subsections (2) to (5) above;

(b) paragraphs 9B to 15 of schedule 1 to this Act as they apply to the making of regulations under subsection (1) above.]

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 33(6A)-(6C) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 29(2), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

F30 Word in s. 33(7) substituted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 25(2)(a), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

F31 S. 33(8) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 30(2), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

Commencement Information

I33 S. 33 in force at 1.4.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/174, art. 2

[F32 Unauthorised introduction of fish into inland waters S

Textual Amendments

F32 S. 33A and preceding cross heading inserted (1.8.2008) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 12), ss. 35(2), 45(2) (with s. 39); S.S.I. 2007/333, art. 2(2)

33A Unauthorised introduction of fish into inland waters S

(1) A person shall be guilty of an offence if the person intentionally introduces any live fish or live spawn of any fish into inland waters.

(2) A person shall be guilty of an offence if the person possesses any live fish or live spawn of any fish with the intention of introducing it into inland waters.

(3) A person shall not be guilty of an offence under [F33 subsection (1) or (2) above ] if—

(a) the inland waters concerned constitute or are included in a fish farm, or

(b) the appropriate authority have previously consented in writing.

[F34 (3A) The appropriate authority may, in granting consent for the purposes of subsection (3)(b) above, impose conditions or requirements.

(3B) A person shall be guilty of an offence if the person—

(a) acts in contravention of any such condition or requirement; or

(b) fails to take any action required of the person by any such condition or requirement.

(3C) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (3B)(b) above to show that the person had a reasonable excuse for failing to take the action mentioned in that subsection.]

(4) Where—

(a) the fish concerned are salmon or the spawn concerned are salmon spawn, and

(b) the inland waters concerned are in a salmon fishery district for which there is a district salmon fishery board,

the district salmon fishery board are the appropriate authority.

In any other case the Scottish Ministers are the appropriate authority.

[F35 (4A) Subsection (4) is subject to provision made in regulations under section 33B of this Act.]

(5) Any person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(6) A person who commits an offence under this section may be convicted on the evidence of one witness.]

Textual Amendments

F33 Words in s. 33A(3) substituted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 32(2)(a), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

F34 S. 33A(3A)-(3C) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 32(2)(b), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

F35 S. 33A(4A) inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 32(2)(c), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2

[F36 33B Power to modify district salmon fishery boards' functions under section 33A S

(1) This section applies to the functions of the appropriate authority under section 33A(3)(b) and (3A) of this Act (the “consenting functions”) so far as the functions may be carried out by district salmon fishery boards.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a) provide for the consenting functions to be carried out by the Scottish Ministers instead of district salmon fishery boards in specified cases or circumstances,

(b) provide for applications made to district salmon fishery boards for consent under section 33A of this Act to be referred to the Scottish Ministers in specified cases or circumstances,

(c) in relation to an application referred to the Scottish Ministers by virtue of provision made under paragraph (b) above, provide for the Scottish Ministers—

(i) to determine the application and to carry out the consenting functions in relation to the application, or

(ii) to issue directions to the district salmon fishery board to which the application was made about the determination of the application and the carrying out of the consenting functions in relation to the application.

(3) Regulations under subsection (2) above may—

(a) make different provision for different purposes, including different provision for—

(i) different district salmon fishery districts, or

(ii) different inland waters or parts of such waters,

(b) include incidental, supplemental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision.

(4) In subsection (2) above, “specified” means specified in regulations under that subsection.]

Textual Amendments

F36 S. 33B inserted (16.9.2013) by Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (asp 7), ss. 32(3), 66(2) (with s. 65); S.S.I. 2013/249, art. 2