UK Edition
Scallop Wars is over as fishermen strike deal to end furious clashes
British and French fishermen have reached a deal to end the so-called scallop wars in the English Channel following a furious clash last month.
Larger British boats have agreed to withdraw from the disputed area off the Normandy coast for six weeks.
UK-based boats under 15m long will still be able to fish in the Bay of Seine, where the row broke out in August.
Last month French fishermen were accused of ramming British boats and throwing rocks at their crew in the latest battle over the right to trawl the scallop beds in summer.
French rules prevent fishing between May 15 and October 1 to allow supplies to recover, but British boats are not subject to the ban.
Talks broke down last week but later resumed after British fishermen agreed to stay away from the Bay of Seine while the negotiations continued.
French industry representative Pascal Coquet said: "We managed to get an agreement. Tonight at midnight, they (the British fishermen) will leave the area in the Channel's east and will only return on November 1.”
Fisheries minister George Eustice welcomed the deal reached by industry representatives from both sides of the English Channel.
"This means our over-15m fleet will get the days at sea it wanted while allowing the under-15m fleet to continue fishing in the area," he said.
"I commend the UK fishing industry for its patience throughout negotiations and welcome this pragmatic outcome."