ANGRY Jersey fisherman Michael Michieli has accused Guernsey authorities of treating him like a pirate. He said yesterday that he would be seeking compensation in the light of the Privy Council ruling that a States decision to control fishing up to 12 miles from shore was illegal.
‘I have got no choice but to claim compensation from the States of Guernsey because of the money they have taken away from me,’ said Mr Michieli.
‘They have painted me as a pirate and a bad individual. They have blackened my character and made me feel like a criminal. Maybe the fisheries officers and politicians should look at themselves before painting me black,’ he said.
Prior to the 2003 ordinance, when new measures limiting access to Guernsey waters were introduced, he had been fishing freely within them for 27 years. Since then he has been restricted to the six- to 12-mile zone.
He has twice been fined in recent years in Guernsey’s Magistrate’s Court for illegal fishing - £3,500 in November 2005 and £8,000 in April 2006. He had to pay legal costs on top.
After that, he was informed by letter by the Guernsey authorities that it had been decided to revoke his licence to fish between six and 12 miles.
After taking legal advice he lodged an appeal and won that in Guernsey earlier this year.
He was unsure of the cost of the legal action, but got his licence back.
‘I was awarded costs and I’m still waiting to this day to get my costs from the authorities in Guernsey,’ he said.
‘I’m not laying down any more. I have been walked over pretty badly over these last four years.’
After years of legal wrangling between the islands he wants them to get around a table and resolve the issue quickly and fairly for all parties.
‘If it’s left to the politicians I think they will just make another mess of it. What a mess they have made of it on both sides. How much taxpayers’ money have they thrown at this case just to prove one side was right or wrong?’ said Mr Michieli.
‘I’m just so happy I can go back fishing where I have been and can earn my living again. This should all have never happened if Guernsey had not created this situation. It’s just a shame it has come to this.
‘It’s been a waste of time and money and I think the people of Guernsey will feel the same when they know exactly what has happened and the way people have been treated,’ he said.
Another Jersey fisherman Paul Bizec, 46, said: ‘I’m pleased with the decision and sad it’s come this way. I’m sure if the Guernsey and Jersey fishermen had got around a table we would have sorted ourselves out. The politicians have made a mess of it.
‘I’m going to look for compensation, but I don’t expect a fortune,’ he said.
Article posted on 4th May, 2007 - 12.00am
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