‘Scallop wars’ intensify as 40 UK boats plan France flotilla

AN ARMADA of British boats is planning to return to contentious waters off northern France next Monday in a show of defiance after “scallop wars” erupted this week.

Up to 40 scallop trawlers from the UK will re-enter the waters of Baie de Seine en masse in the hope that, with safety in numbers, they can fish in France’s plentiful waters.

The planned act of defiance came as French fishermen discussed arming themselves with catapults and other weapons in an apparent escalation against what one called “F------ s----rosbifs”. Mike Hookem, the Ukip MEP and fisheries spokesman, said: “If action is not taken quickly, someone is going to be killed.”

Brian Whittington, 40, said he would not be deterred after around 40 French boats attacked Golden Promise, his boat. “We’ll go over there with the big boats this time and stick together,” he said. “I heard the French won’t do it again, but I don’t believe it.”

France has long asked for small and large UK boats to refrain from fishing for scallops in its waters until Oct 1, when its season commences.

Traditionally, large boats have accepted the limitations, but British boats under 15 metres in length have travelled into international waters earlier.

In previous years, the French had offered a share of their fishing rights in “kilowatt days” in exchange for larger British boats steering clear of the bay until Oct 1. Dominique Patrix, of the Normandy Fishing Committee, said: “This year we said, as you’re leaving Europe, we’re not giving you any more kilowatt days. So the British said, as we’re leaving Europe we’re going to come and take all your scallops. It’s just the beginning,” Mr Patrix told The Daily Telegraph.

Jeremy Hunt, the Foreign Secretary, said he wanted the row to be resolved and was looking for France to ensure there was no repeat. But Jacques Laurent, mayor of Le Tréport. warned that this may not be the last skirmish.

One trainee fisherman from Ver-surmer in Normandy even urged crews “get out the guns” should the British return. “The war isn’t finished,” said Pierre Sophie in one online exchange.