A 22-year-old Pembroke man has been fined $200 for spearfishing within a mile of the Island’s shoreline.

Appearing in Magistrates’ Court this morning, Joshua Usher pleaded guilty to the offence that took place in Cobbler’s Cut on September 17, 2013.

The court heard that marine police observed two males diving in the area.

They approached them and questioned them if they were spearfishing.

Usher replied: “Ya, my spear is broken. It’s over there on the rocks.”

When the pair were told that spearfishing within a mile of the shoreline is illegal, Usher said: “I didn’t know.”

Magistrate Archibald Warner handed Usher a $200 fine.