The two islands are heading for the highest court in Britain unless a deal can be done over access for Jersey boats into Guernsey’s waters.
To signal Jersey’s intentions to find a deal, Economic Development Minister Philip Ozouf has decided to make what he says is a small but symbolic gesture in unclogging the applications process which has stalled for the last 20 years.
Jersey has never stopped Guernsey fishermen entering its 12-mile limit, but those who do have not had formal approval because their applications have been held in abeyance since 1986.
Around a third of the 20 who are affected have since left the industry and are to get their £50 application fees returned.
Another seven have had their licences approved, and the rest will be asked to provide further documentation.
