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Island officials have agreed to allow French vessels access to the isle's Channel waters until June 30th. By this time, officials are hoping to put a new licensing system in place based on the UK’s Trade and Cooperation agreement with Brussels requiring French vessels to apply to fish in Channel Island waters. Guernsey was hoping to have the system in place by April 1st but it is understood talks with the EU and France have been difficult and complex due to policy issues. The interim arrangement will continue on the basis it can be extended month by month up to a maximum period of three months if needed. The Crown Dependency is not part of the UK but often aligns policies and agreements with Westminster. However, it is responsible for its own fishing regulations and licencing. Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, Guernsey’s External Relations Minister, said: “The extension recognises the interests of the domestic fleet by retaining the ability to move to the full TCA licensing regime sooner, if this is possible. “Discussions are ongoing between the Bailiwick, UK and EU to ensure that this work can be concluded as soon as possible.” Deputy Neil Inder, President of Guernsey's Committee for Economic Development, added: “It is important that we maintain a stable economic relationship for the fishing industry in and around the Bailiwick. “We are dependent on trade both in terms of access to waters and in terms of access to ports and EU markets. “The TCA seeks to balance these interests and interrelationships.”