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The fishing dispute between France and the United Kingdom should find a solution Thursday, November 4. Paris had given two more days to discussions before applying sanctions. The Secretaries of State of the two countries are in tete-a-tete as the fishermen grow impatient.
While France and the United Kingdom are discussing, concern is growing among fishing professionals. Of the sixteen boats owned by Jean Parcher, in Saint-Brieuc (Côtes-d’Armor), a third of them no longer have the right to fish in British waters. “It’s time for this to end. It’s stressful for everyone.”, says the owner.
In Calais (Pas-de-Calais), Loïc Fontaine caught 40% less whelks than usual. Without a license since January, its fishing area has been considerably restricted. “We no longer have access to British waters, so we are forced to work 12 months in the same sector”. In the same sector, 35 other boats have not obtained licenses. Result: resources are dwindling. Without the precious license, Loïc Fontaine has already lost 50% of his turnover and is even considering selling his boat. “Without a license, I will not get up”, considers the fisherman. He has one last hope, that of the outcome of new negotiations between France and the United Kingdom.