A DEAL resetting relations between the UK and the European Union has “no impact” on French vessels’ fishing rights in Jersey’s territorial waters, the External Relations Minister has said.
Deputy Ian Gorst stressed that the Island was the “licensing authority” for its waters and there would be “no change” in circumstances.
His comments follow a UK-EU agreement signed last month aiming to boost trade following the impact of Brexit. The Labour government has claimed it will be worth an estimated £9 billion to the UK economy.
However the deal has been heavily criticised by many in the UK fishing sector for continuing the current arrangement of EU boats having access to British waters until 2038.
The issue of access to Jersey’s waters flared up in 2021 in the aftermath of Brexit with Norman and Breton fishermen ultimately blockading St Helier Harbour at the peak of the crisis – and the British navy sending two Navy patrol boats to the Island.
French and Jersey fishermen staged a protest at the Minquiers last October due to continued dissatisfaction over permits, seasonal restrictions and what they described as red tape.
Deputy Gorst was responding to a written question from Deputy Jonathan Renouf about the impact of the May deal on the Island.
