Brexit – See SFPA update 15.01.2021 on requirement for UK authorisation of Irish vessels to fish in the Northern Ireland 0-6nm zone under Voisinage arrangements.

Please find link here and below to updated guidance from the SFPA for Irish Vessels fishing in the United Kingdom EFZ and UK Vessels Fishing in Irish EFZ.

**Important update 08 Jan 2021 on access to 0-6 zones**

The Commission’s Task Force has advised that under the EU / UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, the Voisinage arrangement which allows Irish registered vessels access to 0-6nm zone in Northern Ireland and for vessels owned and operated in NI to fish in IRL 0-6nm zone, is valid.
The EU Commission interpretation of EU-UK TCA, is that whilst Voisinage arrangements may continue, such fishing access to the 0-6 zone of an EU MS requires specific authorisation. Northern Ireland vessels that wish to fish in the Irish 0-6 zone under Voisinage arrangements set out in the Sea-Fisheries Amendment Act, 2019) require authorisation issued from the relevant UK fishery authority in accordance with EU SMEFF regulation 2017/2043. 

**Additional update 15 Jan 2021 on access to 0-6 zones**

Ireland has clarified that the UK similarly requires authorisation of Irish vessels to fish in the Northern Ireland 0-6nm zone under Voisinage arrangements. Irish vessels seeking such authorisation should contact DAFM at inshore@agriculture.gov.ie