Guernsey fishermen concerned about access to French waters after Brexit

Commercial fishermen in Guernsey say there is uncertainty over access to French waters after Brexit.

When the UK left the EU on Friday, the London Fisheries Convention - which allowed French fishermen to access Bailiwick waters and vice versa - ended.

Guernsey States has now introduced new regulation which it says will "ensure continuity of access for the remainder of 2020 for French vessels who previously fished in Bailiwick waters".

But some Guernsey fishermen have claimed that French authorities are placing restrictions on them.

French vessels will need new documents issued by Guernsey and authorised by France to fish in Bailiwick waters.

They will mirror the condition in the London Fisheries Convention, and will only apply during the Transition Period, until the end of 2020.

Guernsey Fisheries is holding a meeting this evening at Beau Sejour to brief the island's fishermen on the new plans.

Fisherman Peter Munro says he is not taking his trawler into French waters as planned this week, as he is unsure if he can land his catch. He says the States assured him nothing would change after Brexit.

Following the States of Guernsey announcing the regulations, Jersey's government says they do not apply to Jersey waters.

Jersey Fishing Association is meeting with the island's ministers this week to discuss future plans.