In 2012, Guernsey established an order requiring Jersey and UK fishing vessels to be licensed to operate in the 12-mile zone from the shore around its coastline.
However, Jersey fishermen believe that they are gradually being excluded from the area, as Guernsey officials will only grant licences to vessels that have a proven track record of fishing in the belt.
But now that the UK has suspended its reciprocal fishing agreement with Guernsey – preventing Sarnians from fishing in UK and EU waters – Don Thompson, president of the Jersey Fishermen’s Association, and Deputy Carolyn Deputy say the time is ideal for the UK to force Guernsey into negotiating reciprocal rights between the two bailiwicks.
The UK – which also has its own fishing agreement with Jersey – suspended its agreement with Guernsey last month after the island refused to enforce UK quota rules.
‘It would be right and proper for the UK to say: “You need an agreement with Jersey first so Channel Islands fishermen can enjoy rights in each other’s waters.”
‘We are talking about fishing grounds which have worked for generations and generations.
‘We need to have long-term rights, not just for a week or diminished rights for a short period of time, but for the next generation as well.
‘Now is the time for Jersey officials to put pressure on the UK and ask them: “What are you going to do to make Guernsey officials sit around the table?” ‘
Mr Thompson said that a Channel Islands agreement was ‘extremely important’ to protect the livelihood of Jersey’s fishermen.
He said: ‘Individual fishermen are having to spend their life savings to go to court to try and protect their rights.
‘Big UK companies have gone through the courts or threatened legal action to protect their rights to fish in traditional fishing waters to the west of Guernsey and Guernsey have capitulated.
‘Meanwhile, some individual Jersey fishermen are finding it very difficult to protect their rights. It should not be that way.’
Today, Deputy Labey called on External Relations Minister Sir Philip Bailhache and Environment Minister Steve Luce to meet London officials to stress the importance of drawing up a joint Channel Islands Fisheries Management Agreement.
‘Jersey has a golden opportunity presented to us,’ she said.
‘We did not have a platform to go to the UK and negotiate but now that they have suspended the agreement we have a reason.
‘I think it is crucial for the long-term survival of our local fishing fleet.’
Environment Minister Steve Luce was unavailable for comment.
