Currently, due to an 18-year-old accord called the Granville Bay Treaty, both Jersey and French fishermen are able to fish in both jurisdictions’ waters.
Don Thompson, president of the Jersey Fishermen’s Association, said he wanted Jersey authorities to have more control over French fishermen operating in Jersey’s waters.
And he has warned that if a new agreement is not drawn up Jersey’s government might not feel compelled to maintain a treaty and so there could be a risk that the UK government could bar French fishermen from operating in the Island’s waters.
‘The holy grail is being able to have more say over what the French can do when they are working in our waters,’ he said.
‘We are treating Brexit as the dark cloud hanging over negotiations at the moment. If we do not have a fair agreement in place we will probably revert back to Jersey-UK waters.
‘We may not have any control over what happens and UK boats could access our waters which could potentially make the problem worse.’
However, he said if a compromise could not be made the ‘French would be much worse off’.
Although Mr Thompson said previous discussions with the French had resulted in little progress he now felt a new agreement was more likely.
‘They seem to be coming round to the idea that things probably need to change. The current treaty does not need to be ripped up but we need a provision to deal with the loss of fishing grounds because of renewable energy – which we are not against – and an improved decision making process.
‘It just needs to be brought up to modern day standards but that needs to happen before Brexit.’
The news comes following claims from MP Michael Gove that foreign boats will not be allowed to fish within 12 miles of the UK shoreline without permission immediately after Brexit, before eventually extending the limit to 200 miles. He is also due to publish a proposal aimed at allowing UK fishermen to land bigger catches.
Asked if the Granville Bay Treaty would still be valid after Brexit, Mr Thompson said that he was not sure and that the future of all bi-lateral agreements was uncertain.
‘If we do end up still wanting the treaty, I am sure that Jersey’s government will be pushing very hard to maintain it,’ he added.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the States’ External Relations Department said that it was unclear what effect Brexit would have on the agreement.
‘The view that we have is regardless of external influences, the best option for Jersey and France is to work together to get the agreement reviewed and updated as required, as soon as possible,’ he said.
‘It is felt this is the best way to manage any potential external pressures.’
