British angler Nigel Williams was fined £800 (€1,191) yesterday after he was accused of putting the Irish angling industry at risk by spreading a virus.
Mr Williams (48), sometimes known in the UK media as the "Pike Ace" for his angling exploits, had been stopped in a car at Holyhead ferry port last May as he tried to take 119 live fish, including carp and roach, into the Republic, magistrates at the Anglesey town heard.
He admitted not having an export health certificate and must also pay £500 costs.
Prosecutor Stephen Smith said Ireland was free of the carp disease spring viraemia and Mr Williams knew he was acting illegally. "This is an unusual prosecution. It's an environmental matter of ecological importance," Mr Smith declared.
It was only possible to export fish from two approved fish farms in England and those seized weren't from either.
Defence solicitor Eilian Williams said the fish involved were bred by the defendant and were germ-free. He intended to kill them at his destination in Ireland before they were used as bait.
Mr Williams said the case had brought disgrace on his client who was a writer and lecturer.