The islands' authorities have agreed a deal

The move has been welcomed in Jersey, but there is some concern in Guernsey over how it will work.

Relations were strained when rules imposed by Guernsey meant Jersey fishermen had to get licences to fish in a 12-mile area around the island.

In the past, they were allowed to fish in Guernsey waters provided they held a licence from either Jersey or the UK.

Now a maximum number of commercial fishing boats allowed access to the waters around the other island will be set out.

Ron Moignon, former president of Sea Fisheries, believes it is not good news for local fishermen.

He said he was "surprised" by the new accord because Guernsey had decided to fight an Appeal Court ruling that the licensing scheme was unlawful.

That ruling followed a legal challenge by a group of Jersey fishermen.

Since then the two islands have been working to produce an agreement for reciprocal access.