Five Belgian fishing vessels were subjected to stringent checks by British authorities in the Bristol Channel. The checks were described as disproportionate and unprecedented by Belgian officials. Four vessels were held simultaneously, their holds sealed, crews arrested, and forced to sail to a British port for evidence gathering.
Fishermen reported being treated "like criminals," with restrictions on movement. One skipper estimated a €40,000 economic loss per vessel due to fuel and manpower costs. The incident caused anxiety within the Belgian fishing sector.
The actions are seen as a consequence of post-Brexit agreements on fishing rights. While the UK allows European fishing, the Brexit deal stipulates a gradual reduction in European access. Belgian officials argued that even considering the lack of established procedures post-Brexit, the UK response was excessive.
The UK's Marine Management Organisation (MMO) confirmed a multi-agency operation in response to intelligence suggesting potential breaches of UK fisheries regulations. They cited a live investigation as preventing further comment.
The incident occurs amidst wider EU-UK discussions on defense and security pacts. The EU High Representative suggested that post-Brexit fishing rights shouldn't hinder progress on a wider defense deal, although EU member states want to link future access to British waters to ongoing talks on a 'reset' of EU-UK relationships. The UK aims to secure both a defence pact and a broader renegotiation of trade relations.