The French Ministry of the Sea has confirmed that two UK fishing vessels have been fined following routine surveillance of fishing grounds in the Baie de Seine area off Le Havre.
Patrol vessel Athos carried out checks on a number of fishing vessels yesterday as part of usual surveillance, and the Ministry confirmed that this operation is part of tightening controls in the Channel, in the context of discussions on licenses with the United Kingdom and the European Commission.
One UK fishing vessel was fined for obstruction in initially failing to comply with a boarding request. When the boarding was finally carried out, no other breaches of regulations were found.
A second vessel was found to not be on the list of those licensed, and was escorted to be detained in Le Havre.
This vessel stands to forfeit its catch and to remain detained until a deposit has been paid for its release, and the skipper could be facing a court appearance.
