Island fishermen plan ahead to land catches

Two to three weeks ago the first applications were approved on a case-by-case basis, with certain restrictions in place. It means the fishermen do not need to quarantine each time they return to Guernsey. All catches are landed without contact or stepping ashore, masks must be worn at all times, and all monetary transactions are digital.

Local fisherman Dougal Lane catches a variety of wet fish.

‘We have to apply every time we plan to go, and we have to give 48 hours’ notice that we’re going,’ he said. ‘But at least we can go now. It was difficult until the private boats were let out again.

‘People have had more time to go fishing but hadn’t been able to go until then.’

Demand is high for Bailiwick fish. At least double the profit can be made selling it in the UK, France or Jersey than at home.

‘Landing catch in France has had no problems at all, it’s pretty much back to normal as we would usually come alongside the pontoon, drop the catch off and the truck drivers would take it away,’ Mr Lane said.

‘The only difference is the mask really. Once there, the fish are sent to auction in the market.

‘Expenses for the truck and labour and payment for the fish is all done by bank transfer.

‘All fish is landed on the quay anyway, you can’t put a boat anywhere else. We do have store pots for shellfish and net bags and cages, but wet fish always went on the quay.’

Guernsey fisherman Brandon La Touche said: ‘Things are a lot better now, there only a certain few that are allowed to land in France at the moment.

‘I’ve been to France three times in the last two weeks to land fish.’