Jersey and French fishermen gathered at the Minquiers to protest against the growing uncertainty surrounding their future.
The Normandy Regional Committee for Sea Fishing invited Jersey fishers to join them in the Norman-Breton Gulf on Thursday, highlighting the shared concerns of both groups.
According to the committee, fishermen "feel abandoned" as their rights and access to traditional fishing areas face continuous erosion. They called on their respective governments to engage in dialogue and refrain from using environmental regulations to push French fishers out of Jersey's historical fishing grounds.
Post-Brexit Challenges
The committee emphasised that post-Brexit pressures have left fishermen feeling "frustrated and powerless," with their future becoming increasingly uncertain due to restricted access and diminishing rights. Before Brexit, there were 152 fishing permits that allowed access to Jersey waters, but this number has now dropped by 47%.
The Normandy committee also called for the long-delayed creation of an approved landing point in Granville, which they said has been disrupted by Brexit. They urged the French administration to commit to consultations and sought concrete action from Jersey politicians.
Jersey fisherman Stephen Viney joined the French protest, noting that around 50 boats participated. He highlighted that both Jersey and French fishers are facing similar issues, particularly regarding restricted access to waters.
Viney pointed out that some of Jersey's waters have been "declassified" since Brexit, preventing fishers from landing their catch directly into the European Union. He noted the shared nature of the waters and species, but stressed that while French boats can return to France to unload, Jersey vessels are prohibited from landing the same catch, calling the situation "ridiculous."
Deputy Ian Gorst, Jersey's Minister for External Relations, acknowledged the ongoing concerns. He said officials are continuing to work with their French counterparts to establish a stable fisheries management system for the Norman-Breton Gulf and reiterated Jersey’s support for Granville’s goal of opening a SIVEP border inspection post to restore trade between Jersey and Normandy.