In early September, the Manche-Mer du Nord commission of the National Fisheries Committee voted to prohibit large fishing vessels—those over 25 meters in length—from entering French territorial waters. This decision aims to protect local fish stocks and support the region’s small-scale fishing industry. The move has placed significant pressure on Minister for the Sea, Catherine Chabaud, who must now navigate the complex political and economic implications of implementing such a measure. The coastal waters within 22 kilometers of France’s shores are vital for both marine biodiversity and the local economy. These zones are rich in fish and support a significant portion of the artisanal fishing industry. However, they are increasingly being targeted by large industrial vessels, which are often foreign-owned and have the capacity to fish more efficiently. In northern France, concerns over the impact of these larger vessels on local fishermen have been growing, leading to calls for stricter regulations. According to a study by the Institut Agro, fishing vessels—both French and foreign—caught approximately 117,000 tons of fish annually in these coastal waters between 2022 and 2024. About 10% of these catches were made by large trawlers over 24 meters, many of which are based in the Netherlands and Belgium. In Hauts-de-France, these industrial vessels accounted for nearly half of all catches in the twelve-mile zone. However, their reliance on this area is minimal, with these catches representing less than 1% of their total hauls. Artisanal fishermen and environmental groups argue that the presence of large vessels disrupts local fishing practices and threatens the livelihoods of smaller fishermen. Many small boats are unable to venture far from shore due to safety, logistical, and regulatory constraints, while larger vessels can operate more freely. A survey conducted by the Normandy Regional Fisheries Committee found that 99% of local fishermen support the exclusion of large vessels from the coastal strip. Despite this, the measure has faced legal challenges and has been reversed in some cases due to pressure from industrial fishing interests. Minister Catherine Chabaud has signaled her intent to address the issue by initiating a consultation with other European Union member states, aiming to exclude large vessels from the 12-mile zone in the East Manche region. However, the process, guided by EU fisheries policy, could take at least two months, raising concerns among local fishermen who fear continued disruptions. Environmental and fishing groups have urged the minister to act swiftly, emphasizing the urgency of the situation before she potentially leaves office. For now, the future of coastal fishing remains uncertain, as the balance between protecting local industries and managing shared marine resources continues to be debated.