French anger after Britain bans ‘bottom trawling’ of key fishing waters ‘to protect the fragile seabed’
Britain and France are locked in a bitter standoff over fishing rights after Brexit.
Paris has lodged an official protest after Britain banned bottom trawling in parts of its territorial waters.
That means fishing vessels cannot drag heavy nets across the seabed, in response to fears that sensitive habitats are being destroyed.
However, France claims the move breaches the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, potentially opening the door for punitive measures against Britain.
Many trawlers operating from Boulogne depend on catches from the thirteen restricted areas.
According to the Financial timesFrench diplomats raised the issue at a meeting of EU ministers on March 19.
There will be concerns that an escalation could revive the so-called ‘Scallop Wars’ – when the fleets clashed over access to the waters. The photo shows a French protest in Jersey in 2021
European Commission officials are expected to meet British counterparts later today.
There will be concerns that an escalation could revive the so-called ‘Scallop Wars’ – when the fleets clashed over access to the waters.
Emmanuel Macron’s party is under intense pressure to take action ahead of June’s European Parliament elections.
Britain has stressed that all fishing vessels are affected, not just French ones.
Conservation groups have also backed the move to protect the ecological balance in the 13 marine protected areas, covering about 4,000 square kilometers.
A UK government spokesperson told the FT: ‘We are proud of our strong record of protecting our oceans and the precious species that depend on them.’
‘The recent decision to ban bottom trawling, which applies to all vessels, including UK ones, followed extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, including UK and French fishing organisations.’
Emmanuel Macron’s party (pictured) is under intense pressure to take action ahead of June’s European Parliament elections