Authorizations for French fishermen to access the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey have been extended until June 30, subject to conditions, the French Ministry of the Sea announced Wednesday evening.
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Following the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union on January 1, 2021,
"the European Commission continued negotiations to extend the authorization for fishermen to continue their activities in Jersey and Guernsey"
, recalled the ministry in a press release.
The conditions of this extension are different for each of the two islands, which face the French coast.
For the island of Guernsey, the extension is valid for all vessels
"but the request must be renewed every month"
.
12 meter limit
On the other hand, on the island of Jersey, only vessels of less than 12 meters are affected by this extension.
For vessels over 12 meters, subject to a satellite vessel monitoring system (VMS),
"the proof of anticipation is already available and Jersey considers that it is able to issue final authorizations"
, according to the communicated.
And unlike what will be implemented in Guernsey, it will not be necessary to renew the authorization every month, the ministry said.
On January 15, Norman fishermen had deplored no longer having access to Jersey waters, while it was expected that holders of a fishing license in these waters under the Treaty of Granville, which lapsed with Brexit, could continue to access it until April 30.
"The Minister for the Sea continues to mobilize alongside the Commission to set up, with the United Kingdom, a framework for the sustainable management of fisheries in the Channel Islands"
, assured the ministry.