‘Scallop wars’ British agree to withdraw from Channel

British and French fishermen last night reached a deal to end the so-called scallop wars in the Channel.

From today, larger British boats will withdraw from the disputed area off the Normandy coast for six weeks. Uk-based boats under 15m long will still be able to fish in the Bay of Seine, where the row broke out in August.

French fishermen were accused of ramming British boats in the latest battle over the right to trawl the scallop beds in summer.

French rules prevent fishing between May 15 and October 1, but British boats are not subject to the ban.

Pascal Coquet, the French industry representative. said last night: “Tonight at midnight, they [British fishermen] will leave the area … and will only return on November 1.”