GUERNSEY and Jersey authorities must find a workable fisheries-management solution that is acceptable to both islands in the long term, says Jersey’s Economic Development minister Philip Ozouf. He was speaking less than 24 hours after the conclusion of a two-day Privy Council hearing in London concerning the legality of Guernsey’s licensing scheme and its effect on fishing in the three- to 12-mile limit.

But whatever the ruling – either

in favour of appellants the Jersey Fishermen’s Association and UK commercial fishing companies or the respondent, the States of Guernsey – he

wants a meeting with his political opposite number in Guernsey as soon as possible afterwards to discuss the way forward.

‘Whatever the judgement is, we have to find an agreement that works for the Channel Islands,’ said Senator Ozouf.

‘Whoever is found to be right or wrong, we still need an arrangement for Jersey fishermen in Guernsey waters.

‘I’m determined that, irrespective of the judgement, we will find a way forward that is acceptable to all parties in the longer term,’ he said.

Senator Ozouf said that it would be ‘entirely inappropriate’ to make any comment on the Judicial Committee hearing.

He has asked his officials to find out when the ruling will be made and indications are it will be within eight to 10 weeks.

Jersey Fishermen’s Association chairman Mike Taylor, who sat through the hearing, believed the decision was ‘too close to call’.

‘If we lose, we have given it our best shot and we will have no option but to accept the licensing arrangement, but if we win, we will have to sit down with Guernsey and probably the UK and

hammer out a new arrangement,’ he said.

A source has told the Guernsey Press that if one of the appellants, UK-based Interfish Ltd, is successful in its appeal, it could be considering a compensation claim for as much as £2.3m.

The Plymouth-based company’s boat manager, Andy Pillar, was unavailable for comment yesterday.

Commerce and Employment minister Stuart Falla was also unavailable.