Fisherman involved in the “scallop wars” have agreed a deal to end their warring on the English Channel.
For over 10 years fisherman have been at loggerheads over supplies, because French vessels are only permitted to fish during the scallop season – which runs from 1 October to 15 May – while British ones are legally allowed to do so all year round.
The finalised agreement, first tabled earlier this month, means larger British boats stopped fishing in the Bay de Seine area from midnight last night, and will not do so again until 30 October.
British fisheries minister George Eustice said: “Today UK and French scallop industry representatives reached an agreement on scallop fishing in the Bay de Seine.
“This means our over-15m fleet will get the days at sea it wanted, while allowing the under-15m fleet to continue fishing in the area.
“I commend the UK fishing industry for its patience throughout negotiations and welcome this pragmatic outcome.”
In previous years, it was agreed that only larger British boats wouldn’t fish in the area outside of the fishing season but this year, the French rejected the proposal.
After a night which saw boats clash at-sea, with rocks being “pelted” and vessels crashing against each other, the fisherman held a series of talks to agree the new deal.
Jim Portus, the chief executive of the South Western Fish Producers Organisation, previously praised the negotiation process.
He said: “I’m very pleased that we’ve negotiated a deal which satisfies the honour of fishermen on both sides.
“The French are in a hurry to make sure that it happens because what they don’t want either is for there to be another conflict.”