A watchman was yesterday charged with illegally catching 81 kilos of tuna two weeks ago.
Alfred Previ, a 45-year-old government employee from Fgura, told the court fishing was his hobby.
He was charged with illegally catching two fish, weighing 50 and 31 kilos each, outside territorial waters on August 13.
He was stopped by fisheries officials in St Thomas Bay, Marsascala.
Magistrate Ian Farrugia granted him bail against a €1,000 personal guarantee.
Lawyer Charmaine Cherrett appeared for the accused. Police Inspector Maria Stella Attard prosecuted.