Jersey fishermen want UK to force Guernsey to negotiate fishing rights
THE UK should force Guernsey to offer better fishing rights to the Jersey fleet, the president of its Fishermen's Association has said.
In 2012, Guernsey established an order requiring Jersey and UK fishing vessels to be licensed to operate in the 12-mile zone from the shore around its coastline.
However, Jersey fishermen believe that they are gradually being excluded from the area, as Guernsey officials will grant licences only to vessels that have a proven track record of fishing in the belt. But now that the UK has suspended its reciprocal fishing agreement with Guernsey – preventing the local fleet from fishing in UK and EU waters – Don Thompson, president of the Jersey Fishermen's Association, pictured, and Deputy Carolyn Labey, say the time is ideal for the UK to force Guernsey into negotiating reciprocal rights between the two Bailiwicks.
The UK – which also has its own fishing agreement with Jersey – suspended its agreement with Guernsey last month after the island refused to enforce quota rules.
