Representatives of the French and UK governments and their respective fishing sectors have reached an agreement following clashes that took place a week ago in the Baie de Seine between British and French fishing vessels.
The meeting is described as having been constructive and a deal has been struck between the two sides on the principles of an agreement on scalloping in the eastern Channel, which includes the Baie de Seine.
According to a brief joint statement issued by the French and UK authorities, there is a voluntary agreement for the entire UK fleet to respect the French closure period in the Baie de Seine, which runs from mid-May to the 1st of October.
In addition, the previous agreement concerning vessels over 15 metres is to be renewed. In principle, UK fishing vessels under 15 metres will also be brought under the terms of the agreement, subject to a ‘reasonable compensation package,’ the details of which have yet to be hammered out in Paris later this week.
