Among British fishermen, 90% voted for Brexit, anxious to "reclaim their waters" and no longer depend on the European Common Fisheries Policy, which they claim has damaged their industry.

Britain's waters, one of the busiest in the world, attract fishermen from all over Europe, including France, Belgium and Spain, who can enjoy it as long as they don't exceed EU-imposed quotas.

Many make more than half of their turnover there.

>> See also on France 24:

The Belgian port of Antwerp is preparing for Brexit

But as the end of Brexit negotiations draws closer, British and European fishermen are beginning to fear its effects on their practices and their incomes.

"It is obvious that if, following Brexit, the French are ejected from British waters, I will easily lose 70% of my turnover. Suffice to say that it is bankruptcy", laments Olivier Leprêtre, captain a trawler, which our reporters met.

In pictures: Brexit, all in the same boat

{{scope.counterText}}

{{scope.legend}} © {{scope.credits}}

{{scope.counterText}}

i

{{scope.legend}}

© {{scope.credits}}

The end of restrictive quotas, denounced on both sides of the Channel, could lead to overfishing and prevent the natural renewal of fish.

If the European market reduces their access to them, British fishermen, who export 75% of their catch mainly to the continent, will have to find new buyers.

However, the British, fond of imported salmon, tuna and cod, eat very little locally caught fish.

>> Read also on France24.com:

These pro-Brexit billionaires who are turning their backs on the United Kingdom

Our journalists traveled to the English Channel, England and Wales to collect testimonies from British, French and Belgian fishermen six months before the end of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

The summary of the week

France 24 invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 application

google-play-badge_FR