NEW arrangements for fishing in Jersey waters by EU boats are set to take effect, with ministers hoping that the move will achieve stability in the relationship between the Island and France.
Permits which relate to ‘extent and nature’ – the type and amount of fishing activity that an EU fishing vessel undertakes in Jersey waters – will take effect from 1 February.
The permits will be attached to the 136 permanent licences which the Government of Jersey has issued to EU vessels when those licences are renewed.
Ministers hope the new arrangements will signal calmer water after a period in which tensions over the issue mounted, notably when St Helier harbour was blockaded by French trawlers in May 2021 and two Royal Navy warships were called in by the UK.
Environment Minister Jonathan Renouf, said: ‘These permits are designed to ensure that our EU colleagues who have a track-record of fishing in Jersey waters can continue to do so, and will also contribute to the sustainable management of fishing activity in our waters.
‘Throughout this process we have shown good faith and an understanding of the concerns of the fishing communities in both Normandy and Brittany – as we move past 1 February, we will continue to show any necessary flexibility in the practical implementation of these permits.’
Deputy Renouf added that the implementation and monitoring of permits for all vessels fishing in Jersey waters was ‘of critical importance to our marine environment and the preservation of our fish stocks’.
External Relations Minister Philip Ozouf, said he was encouraged by the latest development.
He said: ‘We are beginning to reach a point where the fishing communities in Jersey and France can begin to look to the future, where fishing is undertaken in an economically and environmentally stable manner.
‘As a government we are committed to working closely with our French colleagues on maritime matters, which is of great economic and cultural importance to us both.
‘The recent relaxation of port opening times in France is a perfect example of this cooperation and mutual understanding in practice, and there are other issues which we are in discussions with the French authorities on.’
