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Jersey confirms fishing licences for EU vessels

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The Government of Jersey has informed the EU which French vessels it will soon be issuing with fishing licences, and given 30 days’ notice of the ending of current transitional arrangements.   An interim arrangement was introduced at the start of 2021, after the UK’s exit from the EU, allowing French boats holding a previous Granville Bay permit to continue operating in Jersey waters. This was to allow time for the new Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) system to be set up.   The TCA requires evidence of fishing activity over a track record period to be demonstrated in order for access to be granted.   Following the receipt of data and additional evidence in recent weeks, the Government of Jersey has confirmed it will issue 64 full licences and 31 temporary licences, on top of the 47 vessels already licensed earlier this year.   Applicant vessels therefore now fall into one of three categories:  
  • Vessels that have provided the necessary evidence under the terms of the TCA. These 64 vessels with receive a licence in addition to the 47 existing licence holders
  • Vessels which need to provide some additional evidence before they can be licensed. These 31 vessels will receive a temporary licence, which will give them until the end of January 2022 to provide the extra information
  • Vessels that do not meet the criteria, and have either not fished in Jersey waters during the relevant period or have not been able to evidence their activity. These 75 vessels are being given 30 days’ notice of the end of the transitional arrangements after which time they will no longer be able to access Jersey waters.
While all unlicensed boats must stop fishing in Jersey waters in 30 days’ time, Jersey authorities will still accept and consider further data and evidence as and when it is submitted.   The licence conditions specifically regarding ‘days at sea’ and ‘gear used’ will remain suspended to allow for further discussion between Jersey, the UK, the EU and France on the interpretation of ‘extent and nature’.   The Environment Minister, Deputy John Young, said: “We are pleased that, following our requests, more data was recently supplied. This means we’re now in a position to prepare to issue these additional permits for qualifying boats, along with the provisional permissions for the vessels on the brink of providing the required evidence.   “By issuing these licences in the days ahead, we are ensuring the fishing effort in our waters is similar to pre-Brexit – those boats with an economic dependance on Jersey waters, who’ve fished here regularly before and have demonstrated it, will receive licences. We’ve been flexible in the kinds of positional evidence we’ve accepted, using VMS information, commercially available Automatic Identification System data, logbooks, chart plotters and other written information.   “The issue of ‘replacement vessels’ is still to be resolved, and we’re aware they are important to the industry as boats are commissioned and decommissioned regularly. There are a small number of these applicant vessels which require further consideration, and they will be allowed to continue operating in our waters for now while we continue discussions about how ‘replacement vessels’ should be managed.”   The licensed boats will be published on the UK Single Issuing Authority website.   The External Relations Minister, Senator Ian Gorst, said: “Jersey has maintained a pragmatic, reasonable and evidence-based approach throughout, extending the transitional period on a number of occasions until now, despite not being required by the TCA to do so.   “We’re now in a position to ensure those boats which have fished these waters are able to continue doing so, and therefore it is time, next month, for our transitional arrangements to come to a close.   “We thank the UK, EU and authorities in France for their efforts to provide us with the additional data, and I’m keen to pay tribute to the tireless work of our officers to pursue the information, collate it and analyse it. We will continue to have an open door to further data and evidence of fishing activity, including for vessels which have already been considered, and look forward to working collaboratively to resolve the remaining complex issues.”

Annual summit with Normandy and La Manche

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Ministers from the Channel Islands are tomorrow [Friday 24 September] joining French politicians in an annual summit that explores opportunities to work closely together.   The annual political summit with the region of Normandy and the department of La Manche is being held in Jersey this year.   The annual summit has been held since 2015, when a co-operation agreement was signed between Jersey, Guernsey, La Manche, and the region of Lower Normandy (which is now unified with Upper Normandy). Alderney and Sark join the meeting as associate members of the agreement.   As part of the co-operation agreement, representatives from each jurisdiction meet each year to explore how they can work collaboratively.   The summit will focus on three main issues which affect all parties: the consequences of climate change, Covid-19; Brexit and its potential impact, including fishing.   The following representatives will be attending:
  • Jersey will be represented by the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, and Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst
  • Guernsey will be represented by their Minister for External Affairs, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq
  • Alderney will be represented by Deputy-President Graham McKinley
  • Sark will be represented by Conseiller John Guille
  • Normandy will be represented by President Hervé Morin
  • La Manche will be represented by President Jean Morin
  • The Préfecture of La Manche will be represented by the Préfet of La Manche, Gérard Gavory.
  The Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, said: “The Normandy Summit provides us with a much-valued opportunity to meet with our closest neighbours from Nomandy and La Manche.   “We will discuss a range of topics including the impact of Covid-19 and how Britain’s departure from the EU will continue to affect sectors such as fishing. This year we will also discuss how climate change could affect the region.   “Our dialogue has always been in the spirit of mutual co-operation; it is important for us to build on our relationship and to continue our commitment to work together.”   The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “France and Jersey have been through unprecedented times over the past couple of years. Over the past few years the importance of these meetings has become evident as we all face common challenges. I am looking forward to our annual summit, which will give us all a chance to share our experience, strength and vision for the future.”   Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, Guernsey’s Minister for External Affairs, said: “This is the first of our annual summits since the UK-EU Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) came into effect on 31 December last year. While that is the formal agreement between the UK and the EU, our place in it was negotiated with a view to ensure we maintained our good neighbour relationships with France, particularly Normandy and La Manche.   “The summit also provides an opportunity to continue to learn about our approaches to the Covid-19 pandemic. We look forward to seeing the volume of travel and trade start to grow between the islands and France. The Bailiwick of Guernsey greatly values the continuing engagement and close working with our nearest French neighbours and regional partners across a range of topics.”   The next summit will be held in Normandy in 2022.

Annual summit with Ille et Vilaine

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Guernsey and Jersey have attended a virtual annual political summit with the departmental council of Ille-et-Vilaine to review ways in which the three jurisdictions have been working together, under a cooperation agreement that was signed in 2017 and renewed in 2020 for a further three years.

Jersey has enjoyed sixteen years of joint working with one of its closest neighbours, Ille et Vilaine. Guernsey officially joined the partnership in 2017. The cooperation agreement facilitates joint working in a number of areas, including education and youth mobility, culture and arts, as well as transport, and trade.  It also enables discussions to take place on strategic issues such as the impact on the Channel Islands and the port of St Malo of the UK’s departure from the EU.  In addition to the topics covered by the cooperation agreement, the Prefecture of Brittany attended the annual summit as an observer.

At the virtual summit, the departmental council of Ille et Vilaine was represented by its President, Jean Luc Chenut; Jersey was represented by the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré and Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst; and Guernsey was represented by Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, member of the Policy and Resources Committee with responsibility for external relations. The Prefecture of Brittany was represented by the Préfet of Brittany, Emmanuel Berthier.

The discussions covered the health crisis and the management of each territory; developments in the cooperation which have resulted in several progress in the field of sport and international solidarity; and the recent consequences of Brexit for partners.

Each partner expressed the wish for an improvement in the health situation in order to continue these fruitful exchanges through a future physical meeting.

 

Summit with Normandy and La Manche

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Annual Normandy to take place today.

Ministers from Guernsey and Jersey are today attending the annual political summit with the region of Normandy and the department of La Manche. Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, attendees will not meet in person, but will hold the summit via videoconferencing.

The annual summit has been held since 2015, when a cooperation agreement was signed between Jersey, Guernsey, La Manche, and the region of Lower Normandy (which is now unified with Upper Normandy). Alderney and Sark join the meeting as associate members of the agreement.

As part of the cooperation agreement, representatives from each jurisdiction meet each year to explore how they can work together.

The summit will focus on three main issues which affect all parties: the impact of COVID-19, Brexit and its potential impact, and fishing.

 The following representatives will be attending:

  • Jersey will be represented by Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, and Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst
  • Guernsey will be represented by Member of the Policy and Resources Committee with responsibility for external relations, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq
  • Alderney will be represented by Vice-President James Dent
  • Sark will be represented by Chief Secretary Zannette Bougourd
  • Normandy will be represented by President Hervé Morin and Vice-President Anne-Marie Cousin
  • La Manche will be represented by President Marc Lefévre and Vice-President of the departmental council, Jean Morin
  • The Préfecture of La Manche will be represented by the Préfet of La Manche, Gérard Gavory

Minister for External Relations in Jersey, Senator Ian Gorst said: “The Normandy Summit provides a welcome opportunity for us strengthen the long-standing relationship with our nearest neighbours.

“This is particularly important, given the international scope of the challenges we face. Britain’s departure from the EU, and the outbreak of COVID-19 have had – and will continue to have – effects across borders and communities. Meanwhile, ongoing discussions about fisheries require ongoing cooperation and negotiation.

“I look forward to having productive discussions with our colleagues from Normandy and La Manche, and ensuring that we can continue to work together for our mutual benefit.”

Chief Minister of Jersey, Senator John Le Fondré said: “Given the unprecedented times in which we find ourselves, it is even more important than usual that we continue to build on and strengthen the ties we enjoy with our neighbours in the Normandy region. Today’s virtual summit represents an important part of this work and I’m grateful to our regional friends for a productive discussion.”

Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, Member of the Policy and Resources Committee in Guernsey with responsibility for external relations, said: “I am pleased to be attending the annual summit of the governments of the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Jersey and the authorities of Normandy and La Manche, which provides the opportunity to continue engagement with our closest neighbours and regional partners.

Guernsey’s relationship with Normandy and France will continue to be important for islanders in the months and years to come, particularly as we move towards the end of the transition period and the implementation of a new relationship between the UK and the EU, and continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19. Our work continues to strengthen this regional relationship for our mutual benefit and where our interests are aligned.”

The next summit will be held in Jersey in 2021.

Crédit photo D. Daguier

Traveling in the Channel Islands

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Since the start of the health crisis, Jersey and Guernsey have had separate approaches to the reopening of borders. The two Governments have established strict test and isolation policy rules to protect their islands from COVID 19, while restarting the resumption of economic activity.

Before considering a stay in the islands, it is advisable to consult the measures that can change daily depending on the territory from which you come, as follows:

For Jersey: https://www.gov.je/Health/Coronavirus/Travel/Pages/index.aspx

For boaters, please also refer to the notices issued by the Harbour Master’s Office: https://www.ports.je/jerseyharbours/regulationguidance/noticemariners/

For Guernsey: https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/travel

For boaters, please also refer to the notices issued by the Harbour Master’s Office:

http://www.harbors.gg/Guernsey-Navigation-Warnings-Notices

The islands will be really happy to welcome you and make you discover their beauties when the sanitary situation and the return of  more regular maritime connections allow it.

L’île dans les Isles in Caen

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The dates of Olivier Meriel’s exhibition, l’île dans les Isles, which was exhibited in Guernsey in 2018, Jersey in 2019, and Caen in 2020 have been extended. Initially scheduled in Caen from 14 February to 30 April, the public was unable to view the Channel Islands photo exhibit due to lockdown. This is why the Musée de Normandie has decided to extend the exhibition when the museum reopens, from 2 June to 23 August 23. A decision hailed by Anglo-Norman cousins.

More information here

Jersey and Guernsey renew partnership with Ille et Vilaine

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  The Governments of Guernsey and Jersey have renewed their partnership agreement with the departmental council of Ille et Vilaine for another three years.

 Representatives from both Islands were due to attend the annual summit between Guernsey, Jersey, and Ille et Vilaine in St Malo today where the agreement would have been signed, but due to COVID-19-related travel restrictions, the parties agreed to go ahead with the signing by videoconference.  The agreement has been signed, enabling cooperation between the three jurisdictions to continue for a further three years.  A formal meeting of representatives has been rescheduled for spring 2021.

 Jersey has enjoyed fifteen years of joint working with one of its closest neighbours, Ille et Vilaine. Guernsey officially joined the partnership in 2017. The cooperation agreement facilitates joint working in a number of areas, including education and youth, culture and arts, as well as transport, and trade.  It also enables discussions to take place on strategic issues such as the impact on the Channel Islands and the port of St Malo of the UK’s departure from the EU.  In 2019, the Prefecture of Brittany attended the annual summit as an observer to provide updates on subjects within its mandate such as emergency planning and customs and immigration matters.

 At the virtual signing ceremony, the departmental council of Ille et Vilaine was represented by its President, Jean Luc Chenut; Jersey was represented by the Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré and Minister for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst; and Guernsey was represented by Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, member of the Policy and Resources Committee with responsibility for external relations.

COVID-19

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Due to the latest recommendations from the French Government limiting the risk of Coronavirus (Covid-19) contamination, the BIAN office is currently closed until further notice. However, we are both teleworking and therefore we can be reached by telephone (landline), or by email or videoconference.

Thank you for your understanding.

 

Jersey to be promoted at French agricultural show 

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Jersey will once again be represented at a major agricultural show in Paris this week.

The Economic Development Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, will lead a delegation to the Salon International de l’Agriculture (SIA) on Sunday, 24 February. The agricultural show is one of the biggest French agriculture events of the year and will provide an opportunity to showcase Jersey’s local produce, to promote the island as a tourist destination, and to strengthen links between Jersey and France.

This will be the seventh year that Jersey has exhibited at the show, which attracts more than 600,000 visitors annually.

Senator Farnham said: “The SIA is one of the world’s largest and most important agricultural shows. This popular and high-profile event provides us with an excellent opportunity to show off what Jersey has to offer, as well as allowing us to foster relationships with our closest neighbours.”

The department of La Manche will again host Jersey on their stand at the event, giving the island a platform to promote local produce and to showcase Jersey as a holiday destination. Visitors to the Jersey area of the Normandy stand will be able to see different varieties of daffodils grown in Jersey, and will sample a taste of Genuine Jersey products – including black butter, cider, salted caramel, pork pies, and new locally-produced Biltong. The stand will also offer festival-goers the chance to win a trip to the island.

La Manche has welcomed Jersey to share their stand since 2014, and Senator Farnham will meet President of La Manche, Marc Lefèvre, to renew this partnership during his trip.

Senator Farnham added: “This is a significant yearly opportunity for us to promote Jersey’s products, particularly Jersey Lobster, Jersey Oyster, Jersey Royals and Jersey Dairy: four of our most important agricultural exports. The event is also the perfect opportunity for us to endorse the island as a holiday destination, and for us to build links with a number of influential decision makers in France.

“It’s fantastic to have this annual chance to demonstrate our close links with Normandy, and I am delighted to be able to renew this partnership for three more years.”

Annual summit with La Manche and Normandy

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Guernsey and Jersey have attended the annual political summit with the region of Normandy and the department of La Manche to re-sign a cooperation agreement that promotes greater partnership working between the four jurisdictions.

A cooperation agreement was first signed between Jersey, Guernsey La Manche and the region of Lower Normandy in January 2015, and this was renewed in September 2016 following the unification of the regions of Upper and Lower Normandy. Alderney and Sark are associate members of the agreement. As part of the cooperation the six jurisdictions have met annually to explore opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. This year, the department of La Manche hosted the summit in Cherbourg.

Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, member of the Policy & Resources Committee with responsibility for External Relations, Senator Ian Gorst, Minister for External Relations in Jersey, Hervé Morin, President of the Region of Normandy and Marc Lefèvre, President of the Conseil Départemental of La Manche, jointly chaired the summit where various subjects were discussed. These included Brexit and its implications for the Channel Islands, including fishing and contingency planning for a no-deal exit. Areas of regional cooperation were also discussed, such as educational links; cultural initiatives; and economic opportunities. James Dent, Chairman of the Policy & Finance Committee and Vice-President of the States of Alderney, also attended the meeting.

 

Member of the Policy & Resources Committee with responsibility for External Relations Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq said:

“It was a pleasure for me to attend the annual summit of the governments of the Bailiwick of Guernsey and Jersey and the authorities of Normandy and La Manche and renew the cooperation agreement for the next three years at this time of significant for us all.

As we work towards the UK’s withdrawal from the EU we are seeking stability and to minimise disruption caused by the UK exit.  This includes seeking agreement to manage how fisheries matters will be affected. It is our desire to be able to settle these issues directly to protect our interests, ensure we conserve our marine environment and balance our interests in cross border trade.

I look forward to continuing these discussions as we look to strengthen our relationship with Normandy and France, for our mutual benefit and where our interests are aligned.”

 

Senator Ian Gorst, Minister for External Relations in Jersey, said:

“This Summit with the leaders of Normandy and La Manche gave us the opportunity to strengthen the long-standing relationship Jersey has with our nearest neighbours.  We reviewed progress our cooperation over higher education, student exchanges, culture, environment – including marine renewable energy, tourism and other areas of our economies.

“The renewal of the cooperation agreement further emphasises the Channel Islands’ and Normandy’s commitment to working closely and productively together. The political leaders all affirmed that such co-operation is particularly important at the time of the UK’s exit from the EU. I agreed with my Norman colleagues that the cooperation between Jersey and France under the Bay of Granville Agreement was an example of mutual benefits that can derive from working together. We agreed to continue discussions about this.

I welcome the Normandy regional authority’s commitment to smooth market access for Jersey fishermen, and am happy to say we have agreed to support a project which will facilitate landings in Granville.”