The European Commission’s UK Task Force has advised that under the EU/UK Trade and Corporation Agreement the Voisinage arrangement, which allows Irish registered vessels access to 0-6nm zone in Northern Ireland and for NI vessels to fish in IRL 0-6nm zone, is valid.
The European Commission has further advised that because of the third country status of the UK (and NI), fishing in the Irish 0-6nm zone is now covered by the Sustainable Management of External Fishing Fleets Regulation (Regulation 2017/2403) and therefore NI vessels need to obtain an authorization in accordance with Article 34 of the SMEFF Regulation.
A response from the UK authorities is awaited in relation to the practical arrangements for Irish vessels to fish under the Voisinage arrangement and, in particular, if a UK authorisation is required.