The president of the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association pleaded guilty Thursday to catching undersized lobster and was fined $5,800 and ordered to forfeit $2,000 from the catch he landed that day.

Ken Drake agreed that as captain he was responsible for what was on his boat. (CBC)

Ken Drake, who appeared in provincial court in Georgetown, also received a one-day licence suspension, typical for first-time offenders. Drake has been a fishing captain for 34 years.

"Devastating, to say the least, but those things happen," Drake said outside the courtroom.

"If some other fisherman doesn't get charged or doesn't run into the same problem because of mine, I hope that it's purpose is served."

The court heard that Drake was fishing out of Red Head Harbour near Morell on May 25 when fisheries officers discovered the illegal catch: 21 undersized lobsters and 19 females laden with eggs.

It was a Monday, traps hadn't been hauled in two days and the catch was a big one. Drake had a new, inexperienced man helping him that day, due to the sudden departure of his son from the crew.

It was the new man who emptied the traps and handled the lobster, not Drake.

Crown Attorney Marie France-Theriault told the court that Drake was co-operative and remorseful from the beginning, but as captain of the boat he was responsible. Drake did not argue that point.

"I agree with everything that's been said. I also agree with the fact that the captain is responsible for everything that's on the vessel. I agree with conservation. That's as far as I can go," Drake said after his court appearance.

Drake said it's up to the membership of the P.E.I. Fishermen's Association to decide his future when there is a leadership vote next spring.