Minister refuses to rip up fishing treaty

Sunday 09 August 2020

The Environment Minister has rejected petition of more than 1,100 signatures calling for a fishing agreement with France to be ripped up, arguing that it is better than having no deal whatsoever.

Islander Jeremy Strickland started the petition in January, calling on the Government to revoke the Bay of Granville Agreement, which was signed in 2000.

It defines how the waters and fish stocks around Jersey and across to France are shared and managed but has increasingly been branded as unfair by local fishermen.

But while Environment Minister John Young says he recognises the treaty’s imperfections, he believes that tearing it up is a step too far and would leave Jersey vulnerable, particularly before any UK-EU trade deal is agreed.

He said: “The fact that a petition was launched, and has attracted so many signatories, indicates how important it is to protect our waters. Jersey and France are working together to review the agreement, and I have recently written to the French Minister for Agriculture and the new Minister for the Seas to outline the position taken by the Government of Jersey.

“While Ministers remain committed to the Bay of Granville Agreement, we do recognise that reform is needed to make sure that the agreement continues to adhere to the principles it was founded on, and we will ensure that the changes that come from the review benefit everyone involved.”

Pictured: Environment Minister John Young.

“We acknowledge that the review has not proceeded as quickly as has been hoped and still wish to complete this process as soon as possible. It has been further complicated by the UK’s decision to exit the European Union.

“Negotiations between the UK and EU are ongoing, and fisheries are an important, perhaps critical, part of that. Until there is further clarity as to the nature and detail of this relationship and of how it may impact on fisheries and their management in Jersey’s waters, all options for current and future agreements with neighbouring jurisdictions must remain on the table.”

In February, fishermen held a protest in the Royal Square to show their objection to the Bay of Granville Agreement.

Pictured top: Fishermen protesting in February.