The temporary ban on Guernsey fisherman entering EU and UK waters was lifted today.
The UK suspended the Fisheries Management Agreement between the UK and the Bailiwick last month in a row over quotas. It also suspended the reciprocal UK licences held by Bailiwick fishermen.
DEFRA have agreed to lift the suspension on the reciprocal licences issued to Guernsey registered vessels by the MMO but have not lifted the suspension on the Fisheries Management Agreement at this time.
The suspension came as a surprise to fishermen and Commerce and Employment Minister, Kevin Stewart, who called the move ‘irrational’.
The UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said Guernsey had not been honouring the agreement they signed, and are refusing to comply with the Common Fisheries Policy rules.
The Department has been advised that this has been done as “a sign of good faith” whilst further discussions take place and that these licences are restored “pending the outcome of these discussions.
Following the lifting of the suspension of the reciprocal fishing licences held by Bailiwick vessels by the MMO, officials from the States of Guernsey met DEFRA officials in London today. These are sensitive issues and we have had productive discussions with DEFRA on a range of matters. We are working on a number of options together in order to try and seek a resolution in a timely manner and these discussions will be ongoing.
Statement a Policy Council and Commerce & Employment Dept spokesperson
ITV plc 2015