Deputy John Young’s proposals, which are due to be debated by the States on 8 June, come at a time of heightened tensions between the local and French fleets due to new rules that were introduced following Brexit.
On 27 December the States agreed to sign up to the EU and UK’s Trade and Co-operation Agreement, which superseded the Bay of Granville Treaty, which had set out arrangements for the shared use of Jersey’s waters with French vessels.
Under the TCA, Jersey assumed full control of its waters, with French boats needing to request a licence from the Island to operate in them. As part of the new regime they require proof of historical activity in Jersey’s waters to fish there again. French operators have been given an amnesty until June to get their paperwork in order.
Meanwhile, Jersey boats have experienced more red tape when exporting their catch to France. They have also complained of French boats overfishing Jersey waters in recent weeks.
In response, Environment Minister John Young has threatened to close off certain areas of the sea under Jersey’s control to fishing
altogether due to concerns over stock depletion.
If the minister’s proposition is passed, measures to tackle and record ‘illegal unreported and unregulated’ fishing will be introduced for the first time in the Island.
The proposition’s accompanying report says: ‘The UK’s decision to exit the EU and the resulting termination of the arrangements for Jersey and the other Crown Dependencies in Protocol 3 to the EU Treaty, meaning that Jersey will no longer be within the EU customs territory, is thought likely to have an impact on trade in fish and fish products, specifically on Jersey vessels’ ability to land catch into the EU and French vessels’ ability to land into Jersey.
‘Implementing illegal, unreported and unregulated [IUU] measures in Jersey is thought to be an important element in assuring the continuation of trade in fishery products between Jersey and the EU. Implementation of IUU measures is therefore vital for the continued trade in capture fishery products in addition to the health, customs and trade requirements.
‘If IUU controls are not implemented in Jersey, there is potential for exploitation of a loophole in respect of third-country vessels landing fishery products in Jersey which could then be exported to either the UK or the EU. Resolving this aspect at this time will give the necessary reassurance to the UK, EU and international bodies that Jersey is meeting international standards in prevention of IUU fishing.’
The proposition states that a person who commits an offence under the proposed regulations could face two years in prison or an unlimited fine, or both.
