The licences are required under the Post-Brexit Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement. Last week the States unanimously agreed legislation which means that foreign boats wanting to fish in Jersey’s waters must be able to demonstrate a track record of having done so in the past.
External Relations Minister Ian Gorst met EU Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevicius via video link yesterday to discuss the progress being made on the post-Brexit licensing scheme.
‘The commissioner knows that we have a deep and historic relationship with France, and I was glad to convey that Jersey has been able to meet its obligations and issue the first licences to qualifying French vessels,’ said Senator Gorst. ‘We will continue to engage with our French colleagues to ensure that both Jersey and eligible French vessels are able to access the waters and fish them in a managed, responsible way.’
The new licensing scheme was brought in by Environment Minister John Young amid rising tensions between Jersey and French fleets which led to a large protest at St Helier Harbour earlier this year. Following the UK’s exit from the EU, an interim amnesty was agreed in January, allowing French fishing boats with a licence under the Granville Bay Agreement to continue to fish in the Island’s waters. The amnesty period for boats with a Vessel Monitoring System ended yesterday and Deputy Young issued 41 licences to French VMS-fitted vessels.
‘Our officers have been working incredibly hard around the clock to set up this licensing scheme and review the submitted satellite data,’ Deputy Young said.
‘Establishing a system for determining a track record for boats without VMS, generally smaller vessels, has not been straight forward, and we’re aware the conversations are continuing between the UK and the EU on this. Hopefully a co-ordinated way forward can be reached soon so we can arrange the relevant permits for these boats too.’
EU boats without the VMS-tracking technology that wish to continue operating in Jersey waters after the end of June must also have demonstrated a history of fishing in the area. A range of evidence is being considered, including logbooks, previous permits and associated documentation, chart plotters and diaries.
