Mixed decision in dispute over fishing rights between Britain and EU

World World: The Permanent Court of Arbitration has given a mixed verdict in the dispute between Britain and the European Union over the ban on sandeel fishing. In this case, Britain had banned sandeel fishing in its North Sea waters, which the EU considered a violation of the EU-UK trade agreement.

The three-member panel found that the ban in England’s waters was “not balanced”, and asked Britain to take steps to fix it. However, the panel rejected the EU’s arguments against the ban in Scottish waters. Britain accepted the decision, saying that this does not mean that the ban in England’s waters will have to be lifted.

The financial impact of this decision is minor, while Britain estimates that the ban could cause losses of 45 million pounds (60 million dollars) to non-UK vessels. From a political point of view, the matter could be delicate as Britain and the EU are planning a conference on May 19, in which fishing rights may also be part of the discussion.

Britain says sandeel are a vital part of the food chain and a ban is necessary. The fish are used by the Danish fleet for animal feed and oil.