French fishermen threaten port blockade
Fishermen in northern France are again on the warpath threatening action against the Dutch-owned fleet of fly-shooters operating in the Channel. This threat follows recent action in protest against the…
Italian fishermen and Libyan Coastguards clash
Italian fishing industry body Federpesca has condemned the actions of a Libyan Coastguard patrol that fired on Italian fishing vessels this week, with one Italian crewman injured. Italian naval vessels…
The Scottish Fishermen's Federation supports the Scottish government's position on Rockall
SFF joins in Rockall debacle
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation has come out in support of the Scottish government in its stance on Rockall. This week the Scottish government informed the Irish authorities that it would…
Samherji vindicated after seven year legal process
A long legal battle for Icelandic fishing company Samherji came to an end this week as the country’s supreme court confirmed a lower court’s initial ruling that a fine levied on the company by the Central Bank was invalid. This brings to an end a fifteen-year process and the ISK15 million (€110,000) fine is no longer applicable.
Iceland’s seamen’s unions aim to merge
Talks are in progress towards the amalgamation of a number of seamen’s unions in Iceland. The aim is to establish a stronger organisation ahead of the coming negotiations over labour agreements with vessel owners’ body SFS.
Tensions boil over on scallop grounds
The French scallop fleet’s frustrations over the UK scallopers working grounds that remain closed to them for another month came to a head as scallop boats from ports along the Channel coast sailed to the Seine Bay to head off the UK scallopers.
Argentina seeks detention of five Chinese fishing vessels
A judge in Argentina has signed a warrant for the detention of five Chinese fishing vessels following a recent incident when they were intercepted fishing inside Argentina’s EEZ. The five vessels were able to escape, following a long chase during which shots were fired.
Argentina’s Coast Guard fires on Chinese squid catcher
An Argentinian Coast Guard vessel found itself surrounded by a group of Chinese fishing boats as they tried to prevent one of their number from being apprehended after being observed fishing illegally in Argentinian waters.
Spanish trawler arrested in Argentina
A Pontevedra-based trawler has been arrested in what Argentina claims is national waters, while the vessel’s skipper is adamant that he was fishing in international waters.
French ports blockaded
Threatened action by French fishermen began early this morning as Calais and other ports have been blockaded. Ferry and freight services have been suspended, with the busy port of Calais seriously affected, while Dutch seine netters in Boulogne due to weather have been unable to leave.