Oliver Powell in Falklands Charterer fisheries investigation

Oliver Powell, instructed by Pinsent Masons, appeared for Sulivan Shipping Services Ltd (‘the Charterer’) in one of the largest fisheries investigations ever undertaken in the Falkland Islands.

Oliver was retained throughout the investigation and the court proceedings, attending a number of hearings before the Court in the Falklands Island in December 2015 and by video link in 2016.

Background: following a catch verification in Stanley in June 2015, it was discovered that Mr Baston (‘the Master’) of the FV Figaro had failed to declare 118,562.35kg of hake and had over declared 133,012.50kg of rock cod.

The Master, Freiremar S.A. (‘the Owners’) and the Charterer were sentenced with fishing without a licence contrary to s.167 of the Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Ordinance 2005 and 10 offences concerning the false reporting of catch data contrary to r.61(3) of the Fisheries Regulations Order 1987. The parties were dealt with accordingly: the Master was fined £15,5000; the Owner was fined £1000,000; and the Charterer was fined £50,000. The Owner was also ordered to pay a Confiscation Order.

Oliver is the leading junior at the Bar for maritime regulatory work. He has an authoritative and unrivalled specialism in marine & fisheries law.

Should you require further information about Oliver or if you would like to instruct him please contact Dave Scothern, Business Development Director.

News links:

• http://www.icsf.net/en/samudra-news-alert/articledetail/54507-Falklands-impos.html?language=EN
• http://en.mercopress.com/2016/07/09/falklands-imposes-heavy-fines-for-breaching-fishing-licenses-and-false-reporting

News 13 Jul, 2016