On Thursday, 18 March, the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries lamented the way the United Kingdom is applying the ‘fisheries’ section of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the parties. Several MEPs called for a final agreement to be reached with regard to fishing in the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey).
European Commission representative Maja Kirchner (head of unit in the DG MARE) confirmed that the EU’s Fisheries ministers are expected to adopt a decision on Monday, 22 March, enabling the provisional 2021 quotas (from January to the end of March) for stocks jointly managed by the EU and the UK to be extended until the end of July (see EUROPE 12680/10). However, the European Commission hopes to reach an agreement on the final quotas for 2021 “as soon as possible”.
Ms Kirchner praised the fact that 1,600 EU vessels had obtained definitive licences for 2021 in the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which ensures “stable access” for EU vessels in British waters.
With regard to fishing in the Channel Islands (6- to 12-mile access), the European Commission admitted the “causes for concern” that exist, since the temporary agreements expire at the end of March (Jersey) or the end of April (Guernsey). The European Commission continues to work with the United Kingdom to bring this issue to a close—an issue that is “very important for our fleets. We must ensure that these ships are able to carry on with their activities”, pointed out the European Commission representative.
The European Commission was eager to reassure MEPs that the UK side would play by the rules: decisions on quotas are to be taken based on the most up-to-date scientific information so as to ensure sustainable fishing. The European Commission is committed to “ensuring a level playing field for our fishing industry”.
Several MEPs lamented the delays in establishing the ‘Specialised Committee on Fisheries’, which is, however, provided for in the EU-UK agreement. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)