Scallop wars at an end as sides strike peace accord

A peace deal has been agreed to end the so-called scallop wars between UK and French fishing fleets.

Vessels from the two nations clashed over the summer in a dispute about access to the Baie de Seine.

Under the terms of the agreement, UK vessels under 15 metres will continue to be able to take scallops but larger boats will cease fishing in the Baie de Seine from today until the end of 30 October.

National regulations allow British ships to fish legally in the area all year round but French fishermen are banned from taking scallops between 15 May and 31 October at the latest to conserve stocks.

A previous deal prevented UK vessels larger than 15 metres doing so too, but smaller ones could help themselves. When that deal broke down, tempers flared and boats clashed.