Fishermen fear quotas as talks on 3-to-12-mile zone near end

Friday 14th January 2011, 11:30AM GMT.

Dougal Lane AFTER waiting more than 20 years, local fisherman will soon find out if steps towards re-establishing a 12-mile fishing limit will help to save the industry.

Discussions between Bailiwick Fisheries and Defra to decide on a management agreement for local waters are said to be drawing to a close – two years after a draft was sent to the UK.

Establishing the understanding will be a big step towards restoring the licensing of commercial fishing in Bailiwick waters from three to 12 miles from shore.

But while admitting he was eager to see a conclusion to the discussions, Guernsey Fishermen’s Association president Dougal Lane (pictured) said he was also awaiting the outcome nervously.