It would seem that it is not only Uk fishermen that are troubled by the position they find themselves in with regard to quotas, increasingly demanding NGOs, fuel costs and a general increase in what seem unworkable rules and regulations being forced upon them In Brittany, which is home to some of the largest ports in France fishermen - including company boats - are taking action today and effectively going on strike by staying in port.
If such action were to be contemplated here in Cornwall say, it would be good to think the company boats would also mirror their Breton cousins and stay in port.
The following story comes courtesy of Le Télégramme and is translated by Google - use Google translate to interrogate any of the links (tight click to select)
This Monday morning, the office of the National Fisheries Committee met without the presence of the Secretary of State for the Sea, Hervé Berville. "The office let him know that he can come when he has something to tell us," says Sébastien Le Prince, vice-president of the departmental fisheries committee, in front of the sailors gathered under the auction.
To read on the subject:
There is no question for the shipping company of a return with empty holds, given the price of diesel for which the structured shipping companies no longer receive aid. One of the many difficulties listed by the National Fisheries Committee which calls for an increase in the ceilings.
To read on the subject
“Politicians need to take responsibility. Let the State take a position”, insists the vice-president of the fisheries committees on the subject of the decision to close the Bay of Biscay to fishing taken by the Council of State, due to the multiplication of accidental captures of dolphins. A decision that raises the incomprehension of Yannick Calvez, its president: “The study programs are not finished and we are closing! »
The sector at a standstill, Thursday and Friday Europe is not immune to criticism, particularly on the question of the prohibition of bottom fishing in marine protected areas. Despite the refusal of the French government, the threat worries. After the fleet exit plan, she would come to defeat the bigouden port. "It would be death for us," says the boss of Armament bigouden.
So, after heated exchanges with the Lorient fishermen demanding a vote, the general assembly ended up deciding to go beyond the proposal for a total shutdown of the sector, Thursday 30 and Friday 31 March , deciding to stay at the quay this Monday evening. A demonstration of European fishermen in Brussels should be set up in the coming days.
Dolphins, bottom trawling, quotas, diesel... why fishermen are angry
Fishermen's anger: the seven reasons behind the crisis
Angry, Breton fishermen stay at the quay [Video]
After a warning shot in Concarneau, fishermen on strike this Tuesday
Jean Porcher: “We have to open up the quotas a little, there is fish”