With France in the lead, eight European states with Atlantic coastlines are demanding that Brussels challenges the thirteen Marine Protected Areas instituted by the UK in March.
France’s Minister for Europe Jean-Noël Barrot stated that the effects of the MPAs have disproportionate effects, with the MPAs in the Channel having an effect on French fisheries valued at approximately €5 million, and with an even greater impact on the Belgian fleet.
‘We observed … disproportionate effects on fishermen in these countries. We will coordinate to provide the Commission with all the elements so that it request that London ‘exercise restraint,’ Jean-Noël Barrot told AFP following a meeting of ministers of fisheries of Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Portugal and Sweden.
He commented that they expect to supply the European Commission with data deminstrating that the UK’s MPAs fail to meet criteria of proportionality and non-discrimination set out under the post-Brexit trade and cooperation agreement.
‘The challenge is for dialogue to begin between the Commission and the United Kingdom to analyse decisions already taken, their compliance with the agreement, and to ensure that any decision in the future is consistent with the spirit and letter of the agreement and preceded by effective consultations,’ he stated.
This follows an ongoing challenge instigated by Denmark over the UK decision to prohibit fishing for sandeel in areas of the North Sea.
The European Commission has already noted that there are questions over these total and permanent closures that relate to the principles and obligations arising from the post-Brexit trade agreement. Consultations have already begun between the EU and the UK as part of a dispute resolution mechanism, which could be referred to an arbitration tribunal.
