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The alerts came after French captains learnt they now need a permit for Channel Island waters as well as France’s authority. The London Fisheries Convention, which gave French vessels access, came to an end on Friday. France’s government retaliated by branding the new rules “disrespectful”.

Yesterday, Dave Gillingham, from Alderney, said he has been warned by a Frenchman he works with that it would not be safe to land his fish at Cherbourg. He said: “They could blockade the port if we try to land or set fire to our boats. “It has all been done in the past.” Mr Gillingham said his only option was to land in Britain where his catches have less value.

French and British fishing boats clash in 2018

France said the new rules were 'disrespectful'

Guernsey resident Pierro Le Cheminant said he was sent an email warning fishermen it was not safe to enter French waters. The email claimed if vessels were to enter France’s territory their fish could be destroyed. The 53-year-old added: “French fishermen are up in arms and I can see why. “The paperwork the French need hasn’t been provided yet by the Guernsey authorities. JUST IN: Brexit: Nissan to pull out of Europe to support UK factory

Guernsey said French vessels could continue to fish in its waters 'on a time-limited basis'

French authorities said the establishment of fishing licences was too vague

Guernsey said said it ensured continued access for 2020 for French vessels

The clashes come as French authorities condemned what they claimed was a ban on French fishing boats in Guernsey’s territorial waters. The National Assembly criticised Guernsey's "hasty and disrespectful" decision to "close the fishing zones for French boats". However, Guernsey said it had created new legislation to ensure French vessels could continue to fish in its waters "on a time-limited basis". It said it ensured continued access for 2020 for French vessels.

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French authorities said the establishment of fishing licences for individual French vessels was too vague and failed to meet the minimum requirements needed to ensure the continuity of fishing on the Normandy coasts in the coming weeks. Gavin St Pier, president of Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee, said the measures provided "continuity and stability to enable negotiations to take place". He said it was an "important step to assist the negotiations during this year and to ensure that we protect our good neighbourhood relationship with France and in particular Normandy". Gavin St Pier, president of Guernsey's Policy and Resources Committee, said the measures provided "continuity and stability to enable negotiations to take place".

Meaure were provided for 'continuity and stability'

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