“The Committee has become aware that some boat owners who operate unlicensed vessels are regularly selling fish and shellfish in Guernsey. However, the scale of this activity has been brought into sharp focus in the last twelve months,” the committee’s policy letter states.
“It is now apparent that this activity does not amount to the occasional sale of a few fish or shellfish that have been caught in excess of any personal requirements by a person who fishes for pleasure, and that the volume of sales from unlicensed vessels is significant.
“The committee believes that the significant volume of landings and sales from unlicensed vessels will not only have a serious effect on the ability of local commercial fishermen to recover from the economic impact of the Covid-19 restrictions, but also adversely impacts its efforts to manage and conserve stocks of local fish and shellfish.”
Pictured: Economic Development President Neil Inder said that action is needed to “protect the livelihoods of commercial fishermen”.
The Committee has also been made aware of, and has verified, a number of unlicensed fishing vessels “fitted with the type of gear that it would expect to find on a licensed, commercial vessel.”
“It is the type of gear that would not be required if a person was only fishing for pleasure for personal and family consumption,” the committee said.
Economic Development’s proposals do not affect people who fish for pleasure or people who catch fish for themselves, their family or friends.
Committee President Neil Inder wants the States to debate and approve the legislation at the next opportunity.
“If the Committee for Economic Development’s proposals are approved by the States of Deliberation, it will mean that the first sale and purchase of fish and shellfish landed in Guernsey will be regulated,” he said.
“This measure will protect the livelihoods of commercial fisherman, who invest in their licensed fishing vessels.”