The Flemish Fisheries Minister Hilde Crevits (Christian democrat) has asked the British Ambassador Anne Sherriff[ to see reports drafted after the British authorities inspected 5 Flemish vessels that were fishing in the Bristol Channel. Ms Crevits made the request during a meeting with Ms Sherriff on fisheries relations between the UK and Belgium.
Fisheries Minister asks Ambassador to see reports drafted following “unprecedented” inspections by UK authorities
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As we reported at the time, last month 5 Flemish fishing vessels were inspected by the UK authorities. Ms Crevits claims that the checks were "unprecedentedly" strict and caused considerable economic damage to the vessels concerned as their holds were sealed and their on-board computers confiscated.
Crevits met Anne Sherriff, the British ambassador to Belgium, on Tuesday to discuss the matter. According to the ambassador, the inspections were related to possible breaches of British fishing regulations. But the minister wants to see the inspection reports to shed more light on the situation.
Ms Crevits told the press agency Belga that "The inspections themselves aren't the problem, but their harsh nature is. It's important for the fishermen to have the allegations cleared up as soon as possible and to get their on-board computers back, which hasn't happened yet. That is why I have asked for the information contained in the inspection reports."
Trade agreement expires next year
Access to UK waters is crucial for Flemish fishermen, as they do more than half of their fishing there. However, the post-Brexit trade agreement expires in 2026. From then on access to UK waters is something that will have to be negotiated every year.
Ms Crevits believes that this would be unworkable. Fisheries is one of the topics that will be discussed during talks between the UK and the EU that will take place next Monday (19 May). Speaking on Monday, Ms Crevits urged EU negotiators to reach an agreement on access to UK waters as soon as possible. "A lasting solution is needed. Proper management of fish stocks is best done through joint multi-annual plans”, the Flemish Fisheries Minister said.