Play all audios:
The new position, announced by the EU Commission last month, prevents scallops, clams, cockles, oysters and mussels known as bivalve molluscs from being exported to the bloc unless they have
been purified. Politicians claimed the restrictions put in place by the EU on exports had caused chaos along with the trade implications following Brexit. The row between politicians and
Jersey fishermen has also intensified in recent weeks after fishing chiefs demanded a ban on French vessels catching scallops and whelks in the region. Speaking at a State of Jersey sitting
last night, Deputy John Young, Jersey’s Environment minister claimed the bloc’s export restrictions and changes in Brexit rules had been “detrimental” for fishermen across the island and
caused “major disruption” due to an increase in bureaucracy. In an earlier statement, he added: “This export process is very different from that which our fishermen previously experienced
but it is a function of Jersey now being a third country for trade in goods with the EU. “Ministers appreciate that the current rules are frustrating given that Jersey and French vessels
fish the same fishing grounds with the same meters and yet are subject to different landing regimes.” The Jersey Government minister added: “‘The situation is entirely different now we are a
third country.” Deputy Young also stressed the challenging times require "calm voices and a reasoned approach to the issues we are all facing.” He made clear the Government “supports
our fishermen” and said they are doing everything possible to protect and “sustain the industry and the livelihoods that depend on it.” Mr Young said the Government were having daily
discussions with French and EU counterparts on how to tackle the restrictions. READ MORE: AFRICA BREXIT BONANZA: UK EYES £5BN TRADE LINKS WITH CONTINENT Currently, arrangements for
post-Brexit fishing in Jersey's waters have been finalised in the short-term with an amnesty period until May 1. The amnesty period allows French vessels to temporarily fish in English
Channel waters but there is no long term deal beyond then. Government officials have proposed a strict licencing regime from May 1 with ministers adding if French vessels hadn’t applied for
a licence by then, they would not be allowed to fish. Under the regime, French vessels must prove they have fished in the Channel Islands for ten days in any of the last three years in order
to be granted a licence. Fishing in Jersey had previously been managed under the Treaty of the Bay of Granville which presided over the destinies of the fishing rights of French boats in
Jersey waters since 1839. But the Channel Islands had been negotiating with French officials on future access licensing terms since the UK fully left the EU on December 31. Jersey manages
fishing vessels' licensing themselves as part of the States of Jersey.