15 November 2012
The Economic Development Department has announced that it will fund the licence fee costs of Jersey fishermen applying to fish in waters around Guernsey, Sark and Alderney.
Jersey fishermen have a long history of fishing in British Fishery Limits around Guernsey, Sark and Alderney. However, the Guernsey authorities have introduced a licensing regime which designates that only licensed vessels will be able to fish commercially in those areas from 1 February 2013.
Application
To apply for a licence, Jersey fishermen need to submit a formal application and are required to pay a non-refundable £500 administration fee. They are also asked to provide detailed information on their fishing history in waters around the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
In recognition of the financial and administrative challenges this may present Jersey fisherman, the Economic Development Department has set up a programme of support. This includes a dedicated officer to support fisherman in completing their application form and to collate any relevant fishing history information that the Department may be able to provide to support individual applications.
In addition, the Department will pay the £500 application fee to prevent the damaging effect this may have on the number of fisherman who are able to apply for a licence.
Traditional industry
Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Carolyn Labey, said “I would like to encourage any fishermen who are considering applying for a licence to come forward to get the advice and support they may need.
"I hope this will allow fisherman to continue working in waters they have been fishing for many years to ensure that their livelihoods are protected and that we maintain a strong Jersey fishing fleet in this important traditional industry.”
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