Some skippers who have fished UK waters over that period have been denied licences because they now own new boats. These historical frights could be transferred to the replacement vessels under the potential agreement.

A UK Government spokesperson said: “Our approach on fisheries licensing has been reasonable and fully in line with our commitments. Overall, we have licensed nearly 1,700 EU vessels.

“We will continue to consider evidence in support of the remaining applications and discussions will continue with the European Commission this week.”

Jersey and Guernsey last month issued a total of 49 more permanent fishing licences.

It is hoped those permits, as well as progress on the replacement boats, will meet Paris’ demand for a “significant” gesture on fishing.

Blocking threat

France has threatened to block ports and hold up UK freight unless more licences are granted to its fishermen, although London argues this would break the terms of the UK-EU trade deal.

Further applications for the coastal waters around the UK and Channel Islands will still be accepted, officials have stressed.

Sources said that not all the EU applications for fishing permits were valid and that the European Commission, which did not respond to a request for comment, had accepted that.

Separately, the Commission said it would give Ireland almost a billion euros in funding to offset the cost of Brexit.

The EU has agreed a €5.4 billion pot to help those countries and sectors worst hit by the UK’s decision to leave the bloc, including French fishermen.

Ireland is the biggest beneficiary of the Brexit Adjustment Reserve and will get a total of £782m in three tranches until 2023.