Post-Brexit fishing row: Around 50 French boats protest at UK's Jersey port

Around 50 French fishing boats gathered to protest at the main port of the UK island of Jersey on Thursday amid fresh tensions between France and Britain over fishing. 

The boats massed in front of the port of Saint Helier to draw attention to what they see as unfair restrictions on their ability to fish in UK waters after Brexit, an AFP photographer at the scene said. 

It was unclear if they intended to blockade the port, or if they would allow other boats in and out.

"It's incredible to have succeeded in getting everyone together," fisherman Camille Lecureuil told AFP onboard his boat.

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Lecureuil, from the port of Carteret on the French coast opposite Jersey, said a cargo ship was due to leave Saint Helier. 

"Everyone seems to have decided to stop it from leaving. Fishing boats are moving into position at the entrance of the port," he said. 

"It's a peaceful protest. There's no reason for it to degenerate."

France warned Tuesday that it was weighing its response after the UK imposed rules governing access for French fishing boats near the Channel Islands.

France's Maritime Minister Annick Girardin even suggested that France could cut electricity to the island as a last resort. 

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday sent two Navy patrol vessels to Jersey over concerns about a blockade at Saint Helier.