Britain and France are embroiled in a bitter standoff over post-Brexit fishing rights.
Paris has lodged an official protest after the UK banned “bottom trawling” in parts of its territorial waters.
That means fishing boats cannot drag heavy nets along the seabed, in response to fears that vulnerable habitats are being destroyed.
However, France claims the move violates the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which could open the door to punitive measures against Britain.
Many trawlers operating in Boulogne depend on catches from the 13 restricted zones.
According to the Financial timesFrench diplomats raised the issue at a meeting of EU ministers on March 19.
There will be concerns that an escalation could revive the so-called “Scallop Wars”, when fleets clashed over access to the waters. Pictured is a French protest in Jersey in 2021.
European Commission officials are expected to meet their UK counterparts today.
There will be concerns that an escalation could revive the so-called “Scallop Wars”, when fleets clashed over access to the waters.
Emmanuel Macron’s party has been under intense pressure to act ahead of European Parliament elections in June.
The United Kingdom has stressed that all fishing vessels are affected, not just French ones.
Conservation groups have also backed action to protect the ecological balance in the 13 marine protected areas, which cover around 4,000 square kilometres.
A UK government spokesperson told the Financial Times: “We are proud of our strong record of safeguarding our oceans and the precious species that depend on them.”
“The recent decision to ban bottom trawling, which applies to all vessels, including British vessels, followed extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders, including UK and French fishing organisations.”
Emmanuel Macron’s party (pictured) has been under intense pressure to act ahead of the European Parliament elections in June.