55 unlicensed French fishing crews have been informed that they can no longer operate in Jersey waters.

The deadline for their release was Sunday (October 31), after they breached the terms of the island’s new post-Brexit licensing system.

The new rules require French fishermen to prove they have a history of fishing in Jersey waters in order to receive licenses to continue operating.

The Jersey government has said “the door remains open” for rejected vessels to reapply once they have the information required under the new trade and cooperation agreement – which came into effect after the UK left the EU.

However, France says this is unfair because some boats do not have the computer equipment to provide the necessary evidence.

Fishing has been a major point of contention since the UK voted to leave the EU and France is threatening “retaliatory measures” unless more licenses are issued.

If the dispute is not resolved by November 2, French sanctions could include:

• Routine security checks on British ships

• British fishing boats banned in certain French ports

• Strengthening customs and hygiene controls

• Tightening of controls on lorries to and from the United Kingdom

• Cut off the electricity supply to the Channel Islands

A British government spokesperson said the threats from Paris were “disappointing and disproportionate, and not what we would expect from a close ally and partner.”