THE fishing industry’s nightmares came true yesterday when a Privy Council judgement ruled that the States did not have the power to legislate out to 12 miles. That means Jersey and UK vessels can now fish the three- to 12-mile zone with impunity.
Guernsey Fishermen’s Association vice-president Willie Falla said his worst fears had been realised.
‘Everybody can come inside the 12 miles now - it’s a free-for-all. The sea can be raped around here and nobody can do anything about it.’
He feared that Guernsey fishermen could be swamped with gear from non-local boats.
‘It’s going to be a battle and some will be pushed out. You are not going to give up your living just because of people putting pots on top of yours,’ said Mr Falla.
He insisted the three- to 12-mile waters were already fished to their sustainable maximum.
He believed Guernsey’s sea fisheries, the States and Deputy Lyndon Trott had done all they could to save the industry from decimation.
‘Jersey’s might is right. I think Guernsey would have had a different attitude if Jersey had been more favourable with their licences in the first place when licences were first issued there.
‘There will be a future if it stays like it is, but if Jersey and English boats put in too much effort the whole industry could suffer, not just the shellfish side but wet fish as well.
‘I think the big one-tonne monsters will be allowed up to three miles. They are commercial hoovers and will just take everything. They are factory ships.’
Commerce and Employment minister Stuart Falla said: ‘In some ways I’m pleased the judgement has now been delivered, which takes away some of the uncertainty.
‘There is clearly some work to do with the Jersey and UK authorities to establish a fisheries-management agreement to cover the waters around Guernsey, Sark and Alderney.
Both Deputy Falla and Deputy Trott, a former chairman of the Sea Fisheries Committee said they would digest the judgement before commenting further.
Guernsey trawlerman Dave Marwick, 40, who has been fishing since leaving school at 15, said the Jersey fleet was going to love the decision.
‘Their trawlermen and potters will be laughing, especially down the south coast for the potting and all the banks around the island for the trawlers.
‘We are struggling as an industry as it is and there are very few big boats left.’
He said Guernsey fishermen were annoyed that the Jersey fleet had sold its Defra licences for big money and the Jersey States then issued them with their own licences.
He did not believe Jersey vessels should be allowed within Guernsey’s 12-mile limit unless they had a proper Defra licence.
But the ruling would be ‘like 30-40 Guernsey fishing boats fishing off St Helier’.
‘It’s wrong - I wish I could have sold my licence a few years ago,’ he said.
* The Sea Fish Licensing (Guernsey) Ordinance remains valid within the three-mile limit.
* The 39-page judgement is on view at www.privy-council.org.uk. Click here to go directly to the file.
Article posted on 3rd May, 2007 - 12.00am
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