EU warning on post Brexit fishing

THE European Commission has warned fishermen who operate in UK waters that they risk being  pushed out in the event of a Brexit no-deal.
Such a scenario is already causing concern among fishing companies in France, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Ireland – the five main countries which currently fish in British waters.
In a letter to the industry  the Commission in  Brussels said there was considerable uncertainty about the terms of post-Brexit trade, and urged fishermen to take into account \”legal repercussions which need to be considered when the United Kingdom becomes a third country .
It adds: “\”In accordance with international law of the sea, fishing vessels wishing to engage in fishing activities in waters under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of a third country are required to obtain a fishing authorisation from that third country.”
Britain has said it will continue to be part of the Common Fisheries Policy, which allows mutual access to its waters, until December 2020 when the transition period ends. After that it will take back full control and countries which want to continue fishing there will have to reach separate agreements with the UK government.
But unless exchange deals are agreed  British companies will be refused permission to sell their fish into Europe. The Commission, typical EU language,  says: “As of the withdrawal, producer organisations and inter-branch organisations recognised in the United Kingdom on the basis of Regulation (EU) No 1379/2013 will no longer be considered professional organisations under EU law.”
This means vessel owners and companies selling  to the EU will have to have a “catch certificate” that shows their haul was “made in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and international conservation and management measures”