A St George’s man was fined $2,500 this morning after admitting fishing in a protected area.

Arnold Pitcher, 34, pleaded guilty to attempting to take fish from a protected area last summer.

Magistrates’ Court heard that Pitcher and another man were spotted aboard the vessel Cha Ching inside the Eastern Extended Grouper Protection area on September 2.

Baited lines were seen in the water.

Pitcher told court that he had fished part time for the last few year. He said that the chart he was using did not indicate the area was protected.

He told court: “It was an honest mistake.”

Senior magistrate Juan Wolffe said: “This is still a serious offence.”

Mr Wolffe fined Pitcher $2,500.

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