The undersized scallops were returned to the sea

Michael Connaghan was sailing the Christy M off the coast of Douglas when Sea Fisheries officers boarded the boat routinely on Tuesday afternoon.

Officers found the scallop gauge being used by Mr Connaghan was inaccurate, and more than 20% of scallops caught were smaller than the regulation size.

He admitted the offence and The High Bailiff fined him at a Douglas court.

He emphasised that it was the skipper's responsibility to ensure the gauges were correct.

The required minimum landing size is 110mm, but most of those caught measured between 105mm and 110mm.

The undersized scallops have been deposited back in the sea.