2024-11-09 10:00:00
LOn Monday, November 4, the shellfish returned late, carried by the tide, to Port-en-Bessin-Huppain (Calvados). Hull to hull, they unloaded the first scallops of the season. On the docks, everyone was fishing for information, wanting to know if the holds were full. Some crews did not hide their disappointment. They had not found the right vein, but were moving back to better position themselves during the next tide. Ready to bring back the 1 or 2 tonnes of catch authorized per day.
But there was also a Belgian story running along the quays. Not enough, however, to make the Norman sailors smile. A ship flying the Belgian flag, in fact, came to fish near the French coast, approaching the Bay of Seine with its nose to the wind on the very day it was opened for collection. Enough to create tension. It is true that according to the treaties this maritime route is authorized for Belgian or Dutch boats, but their flag does not require them to follow the rules established by the Normandy fishing industry.
But these rules are strict: everything is timed. In November, coquillards can only work 90 minutes in a row in a day, and the exercise can only be repeated four times a week. In May, the shellfish return to their shells and become simple trawlers. The bivalve season is over. This constrained schedule helped to replenish the resource. Every year, before the start of the shell treasure race, the French Research Institute for the Exploitation of the Sea probes the seabed to assess the loot. This summer, it estimated the potential, in the Bay of Seine, at 137,000 tonnes, an increase of 56% compared to 2023. A near-record. The species is not threatened. The scallop can be dredged.
“We defend artisanal fishing”
This wealth is highly coveted. Hence the Belgian boat’s attempt to take advantage of it. A clear message was sent to him: no question of entering the French territory. The British, who are also often tempted to approach, learned this the hard way. The naval battle threatens to break out at any moment. Don’t tickle angry fishermen too much.
“We defend artisanal fishing. In Normandy, one fisherman in two makes a living from scallops. The British, for their part, practice industrial fishing with boats of 30 to 40 meters, a foreign workforce and operation 24 hours a day. They come to compete with us by selling shells caught in French waters at a lower price.gets angry Dimitri Rogoff, president of the Normandy regional maritime fisheries committee.
You have 13.94% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.
1731325111
#scallop #dredged
**Interview with Jacques Lefèvre, Local Fisherman and Industry Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jacques. There’s been a lot of buzz around the recent scallop season opening last week in Port-en-Bessin-Huppain. Can you tell us what the atmosphere was like on the docks?
**Jacques Lefèvre:** The atmosphere was a mix of hope and disappointment. Many of us were excited to finally bring in the first catch of the season, but as the boats came in, it was clear that some crews didn’t find what they were hoping for. The tide brought some scallops back, but not in the quantities we expected.
**Interviewer:** I understand there was some tension due to foreign fishing boats in the area. Can you elaborate on that?
**Jacques Lefèvre:** Yes, a Belgian ship was spotted fishing near the French coast right as the season opened. This raised concerns among local fishermen. While treaties allow Belgian and Dutch boats to navigate these waters, it doesn’t sit well with us when they don’t adhere to our specific industry regulations. It creates an unfair competitive environment.
**Interviewer:** What do you think needs to be done to address these tensions and protect local fishermen’s interests?
**Jacques Lefèvre:** There needs to be more dialogue between the French and Belgian authorities to ensure that all fishermen are playing by the same rules. We’re all trying to sustainably manage our resources, but foreign boats should respect the local regulations that are in place to protect our industry.
**Interviewer:** As a fisherman, what are your hopes for this scallop season despite the setbacks?
**Jacques Lefèvre:** My hope is that as the tides change, so will our fortunes. If we can work together and address these issues, I believe we can have a successful season. We need to stay resilient and support each other in our community.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jacques, for your insights. We hope the rest of the season brings better results for you and your fellow fishermen.
**Jacques Lefèvre:** Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for calm waters and full holds!
