Flanders to investigate "unprecedented" inspections of fishing vessels by UK authorities
Flemish Fisheries minister Hilde Crevits wants to see the reports of the British authorities who inspected five Belgian vessels last month. The minister made the request on Tuesday during a meeting with the British ambassador to Belgium on fisheries relations between the two countries.
Five Belgian fishing vessels operating in British waters were inspected by UK authorities last month. According to minister Crevits, these controls were "unprecedentedly" strict and caused considerable economic damage: the holds of the vessels were sealed and their on-board computers were 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.
"The inspections themselves aren't the problem, their harsh nature is," said Crevits, "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 necessary information on the inspection reports."
Expiring trade agreement
For Flemish fishermen, access to British waters is crucial, as more than half of their fishing activities take place there. But the post-Brexit trade agreement expires in 2026. From then on, access to British waters would have to be negotiated every year. This is unworkable, says the minister.
Fisheries will be one of the topics discussed at a consultation between the European Union and the UK on 19 May. 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 minister said.
#FlandersNewsService | Flemish Fisheries minister Hilde Crevits with one of the affected captains. © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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