JERSEY and Guernsey have held ‘positive talks’ over new regulations which Island fishermen fear could exclude them from lucrative fishing grounds.

The Sarnians are close to signing an agreement with the UK which will give them territorial control of the sea 12 miles from their shore.

Jersey fishermen believe that once the deal is signed, the Island’s fleet will be gradually excluded from the area.

But Economic Development Minister Alan Maclean said that the talks between Jersey, Guernsey and the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs were ‘a step in the right direction’.

Senator Maclean who, like Mr Thompson, did not attend the meetings, said: ‘My understanding is that they were positive discussions. This is the beginning of the process and there are many more discussions to be had, but both sides are working towards a sensible solution that suits both parties.’