Fisheries president warns over trade barrier threat from Brexit
THE fishing industry will be under serious threat if Brexit leads to new trade barriers and local fisherman cannot land their catch in France, the Guernsey Fishermen's Association president has said.
As the UK kick-started proceedings to leave the EU, Deputy Barry Paint was hopeful that the UK government would keep in mind the island's interests, particularly when it came to fisheries.
Guernsey has around 150 fishing boats, which contribute an estimated £5m. per annum to GDP.
Most produce – around 80% – is sold in France, largely crab and shellfish.
'If, for some reason, the fishing industry isn't allowed to continue landing fish in France, we will end up with no fishing industry,' Deputy Paint said.
'The majority of our fish is sold in France – if we can't get rid of our produce it will kill the industry.
'What we should be doing, in my opinion, is talking directly to France ourselves.'
