09 August 2019

The Independent: No-deal Brexit could trigger deadly clashes between fishermen, experts warn

Britain’s leading expert on international fisheries law believes that, following a no-deal Brexit, there would be “a real risk” of serious violence breaking out between British and EU fishermen, many of whom depend on access to UK fishing grounds for their economic survival.

“A toxic mix of historical grievances, real and perceived unfair treatment, and, in some cases, a lack of clarity about legal rights is bound to result in fishing disputes,” Professor Richard Barnes of the University of Hull told The Independent. 

“Together with inflammatory newspaper headlines, broken political promises and broken livelihoods, we will have all the ingredients for violent confrontations at sea,” he said.

“This is likely to be part of the reality of a no-deal Brexit." [...]

“Given that the UK lacks the practical capacity to fully enforce fishing law in all its waters, this is a significant risk. 

“History shows us that fishing disputes can quickly escalate. Any close quarters situation between fishing boats, let alone deliberate ramming or physical violence, can result in injury or even loss of life,” he said.

The leader of one of Britain’s major fishermen’s organisations is also warning of potential problems ahead.

Jeremy Percy, director of the body representing the UK’s small (under 10-metre long) fishing vessels, the New Under Ten Fishermen’s Association, fears that differences in interpretation of international law are likely to result in French and other EU fishing vessels, supported by their governments, seeking to continue to fish in UK waters after Brexit, despite potentially being prohibited by Britain from doing so. His association represents 80 per cent of UK fishing vessels. [...]

Full article on The Independent

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