English Channel scallop fishing dispute

Approximately 40 French fishing boats surrounded five British fishing boats and, according to the British fishermen, tried to slam into the British boats as well as throw rocks and nets to try and damage the propellers and engines.[6] French fishermen claim that their action was in response to the British boats being inside the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy 19 kilometres (12 mi) fishing exclusion zone; British fishermen deny that they were within the exclusion zone.[2]

The British Marine Management Organisation informed French authorities. The French Navy intervened and a meeting took place between the French and British fishermen to resolve the dispute.[1]

On 28 August, 35 French fishing boats tried to prevent several British fishing vessels from catching sea scallops off the Normandy coast.[5] Violence began when three large British trawlers were chased by the French fishing boats. The British trawlers Golden Promise and Joanna C were damaged after being rammed and hit by stones, metal shackles, petrol bombs and rocket flares, and were eventually forced to seek shelter at Brixham. The Scottish dredger Honeybourne III attempted to ram a number of French boats after a fire erupted on board; three French vessels were also damaged. The Scottish trawler eventually docked at Shorenham. The violence has been condemned by both British and French officials. Talks started on 5 September but by the 12, failed to conclude due British and French intransigence.[7][8][9] The French Navy has vowed to intervene in the event of future clashes.[10]

Subsequently, a "crab war" has developed in which the British claim the French fishermen deliberately damaged their crab pots. This violence also has been condemned by both British and French officials.[11]

1993 Cherbourg incident