Brexit: tension mounts around French fishermen's access to Jersey waters

Fishing boats at the port of Guilvinec in Brittany on June 3, 2020 (Illustrative image).

© FRED TANNEAU / AFP

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2 min

Nothing works between Paris and Jersey.

The authorities of the Channel Island denounce a disproportionate reaction from France.

The Minister of the Sea, Annick Girardin threatens Jersey with retaliation, if the British authorities continue to restrict the access of French fishermen to its waters.

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 Inadmissible 

” exclaimed Minister of the Sea, Annick Girardin, denouncing the

fishing conditions imposed

on French sailors by Jersey.

The minister went so far as to threaten to cut the transmission of electricity by submarine cable which supplies the island from France.

Paris is annoyed with British behavior

Paris criticizes London for not respecting the agreement reached within the framework of Brexit.

The British authorized 41 French vessels to fish out of 344 requests.

It's not just in Jersey.

For Hauts-de-France fishermen, 88 licenses granted out of 163 requested.

And for North Brittany, 13 licenses for 40 requested.

London is issuing authorizations in a trickle, while the trade agreement signed at the end of 2020 by London and Brussels allows European fishermen to continue to access British waters, during a transition period of five and a half years, after the end of which they will have to give up 25% of their catch.

Another problem is the management of quotas in waters shared with the British.

London and Brussels have agreed on temporary volumes, the amounts of which must be reviewed in July.

►Also listen: Accents d'Europe - Brexit: chaotic first months

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