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Bailiwick fishermen banned from UK and EU waters

The temporary ban on Guernsey fisherman entering EU and UK waters was lifted today.

Guernsey's fishermen were banned last month from fishing in UK and EU waters in a row over quotas.

The shock move appeared to be because fishermen do not have to abide by any quota limits in Bailiwick waters.

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UK says banning Bailiwick fishing is 'last resort' in row

Credit: PA stills

The UK department who have forced a ban on Bailiwick fishermen entering UK and EU waters say they have been forced to do so as a last resort.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) says Guernsey have not been honouring the agreement they signed, and are refusing to comply with the Common Fisheries Policy rules.

They say they have been working with Guernsey’s government since March on the issue.

When the ruling was announced this morning though, Commerce and Employment Minister Deputy Kevin Stewart said the decision had come completely “out of the blue”.

Defra says they hope banning Guernsey fishermen is a “temporary measure”.

This action is a last resort in response to Guernsey not honouring the terms of the agreement they signed, and not complying with the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy, which is designed to protect stock levels with quotas

We have worked with Guernsey since March to try and come to a mutual agreement, but Guernsey has regrettably refused to introduce a ceiling on their skates and ray catch which is not sustainable, nor is it a fair use of quota.

It is important we protect the long-term future of our fisheries and quotas play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of our stock. We understand the impact on local fishermen and hope this will be a temporary situation.

– Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
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Bailiwick fishermen banned from UK and EU waters

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