Agreement was reached in January to allow continental boats to continue to fish in Jersey waters until the end of April while a new licence system was set up in line with the Trade and Co-operation Agreement that was agreed between the EU and UK on Christmas Eve.
The new TCA regime effectively replaced the Bay of Granville Treaty and required foreign vessels to apply to Jersey’s Environment Minister for permission to fish within the Island’s 12-mile limit and to provide evidence that they had done this in the past.
Following a request from the EU, Jersey ministers have agreed to extend the amnesty period until 30 June for smaller boats which do not have a vessel-monitoring system. The delay is to give the owners of these craft time to prepare the necessary paperwork.
The government statement says that ‘no further extension will be considered but the relevant vessels may submit data and receive licences after 30 June 2021’.
The move could spark further anger among local fishermen who claim that French boats are overfishing, causing environmental damage and reducing stocks around the Island. Jersey fishermen have also complained of increased bureaucracy and difficulties with exporting their catches to France, following the end of the Brexit transition period. Frustrations came to a head last month when several vessels took part in a blockade of St Helier Harbour.
External Relations Minister Ian Gorst said: ‘We have agreed to this extension as a way of demonstrating our support for fishers of all nationalities in the Bay of Granville. We do not want the UK’s exit from the EU to affect our relationship with France, Normandy or Brittany and therefore I am happy to again extend the hand of friendship across the water.
‘I hope this extension will support a smooth transition process and I would ask our EU and French colleagues to support Jersey vessels and exporters as they adjust to the new rules for exporting and direct landing.’
Environment Minister John Young said that he was ‘fully prepared’ to agree a short extension to maintain good relations but had ‘two requests’ to make.
‘First, I ask that the French authorities designate the port of Granville as a border post as soon as possible to expedite the export of Jersey produce,’ he said.
‘Granville is a very important port for the entire area and we are aware of the outstanding EU commitment to operate a border-control post there. Jersey acknowledges the support of the Normandy authorities and we would like a timetable for the operation and acceptance of appropriate species, including molluscs and other wild-caught species.
‘Secondly, we have asked that a pragmatic approach be taken with respect to the way the new third-country paperwork regime is administered in France, to ease friction in our direct landings.
‘I have every hope that this demonstration of goodwill will be reciprocated by our French neighbours and that we will see improvements for Jersey fishers and traders when landing their goods into French ports.’
