Brexit bans EU vessels from catching fish using controversial ‘pulse trawl’ method in UK waters

EU fishermen have been banned from “pulse trawling” in British waters following the end of the Brexit transition period on New Year’s Eve.

The controversial technique uses electrical signals to drive flatfish, such as sole, from the seabed into nets.

There is concern that it will harm the marine environment and larger species such as cod, haddock and whiting by breaking its spines.

The EU banned the use of electric current for fishing in 1998, but since 2006 exemptions have been allowed for some light trawls.

EU fishermen have been banned from “pulse trawling” in British waters. Pictured: Fishing boats in the fishing port of Bridlington Harbor in Yorkshire

These included around 80 Dutch ships that had been using the method in the southern North Sea.

Environment Minister Zac Goldsmith said: “It is fantastic news that we have been able to end trawling in UK waters by EU and UK vessels. This is just one of the good things we can do now. ‘

A spokesman for the department added: “This will help protect our marine environment.”

Watch the guards in the Yorkshire fishing port of Bridlington Harbor as the UK leaves the single market and customs union and the Brexit transition period comes to an end

Olivier Lepretre, head of the regional fishing group in northern France, praised the move, saying: “At least Boris had the courage to do it.”

A Defra spokesperson said: “As the transition period has ended, pulse trawling by vessels registered in the EU and England in UK waters will no longer be allowed.

“This will help protect our marine environment and keep our seas sustainable for future generations.”

The EU is set to ban much of its fishing for pulses in July this year, but a handful of boats will be allowed to continue under an exemption.