British-French fishermen clash at sea

British marine officials were in talks with their French counterparts after sea clashes broke out between British and French scallop fishermen. The French argue that their UK counterparts are “pillaging” resources too early in the year. A sea scuffle between French and

British fishermen has forced marine officials from both the countries to hold urgent negotiations. The conflict began on Oct. 15 when some 40 French trawlers ‘confronted’ around five British scallop dredgers off the coast of Normandy, allegedly throwing rocks and flares and sailing near them at high speed.

In response, the British scallop fishermen say they are perfectly entitled to trawling in the area.
Fishing disputes are rare in the area, although a similar incident was reported in 2002, when a British scallop dredger was allegedly attacked by a French vessel some 32 km off Brest.

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