For French fishermen, it’s not just livelihoods at stake, but also culture and history | World news

Granville, in northern France, is one of the closest French fishing towns to the Channel Islands.

When boats return from a day’s work, the harbor is usually filled with crab, lobster, scallops and fish, much of which is caught in the deep waters washed up in Jersey.

Today, they docked mostly disappointed.

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Many have chosen to forgo today’s catch in protest. They hoped and believed that the show of force would lead to a quick resolution, instead they returned home dejected.

There is pride in this city that they are taking a stand.

Most just can’t afford not to.

The new licensing regulations could reduce the number of days some boats are allowed to complete in Jersey waters by up to three-quarters. It would immediately put them into bankruptcy.

“Seventy percent of the fleet – it would die,” said Matthieu Vimard, co-director of the Normandy Fishermen’s Association.

“If the Jersey government does not change this position, it would kill part of the French fleet.”

He spoke of the deep feeling of anger, betrayal and confusion felt here.

It’s not just livelihoods at stake, but also culture and history: French vessels have been fishing off the Channel Islands for centuries and relations have always been cordial.

Many feared what the post-Brexit deal would mean for their livelihoods. Few expected the threat to come so late in the process.

And the impact will be felt throughout the community.

Alex Boivin runs a fishmonger opposite the harbor, where most of his catch is local and his bestsellers come from Jersey waters: huge brown crabs and …