Cross-channel ferry services have been cancelled

The action, part of a wider protest over European fishing quotas, will prevent British ferries docking at the French port until Wednesday afternoon.

P&O Ferries - which had to cancel 30 sailings - said the blockade had "ruined" the plans of those booked to go cut-price shopping for Christmas.

British fishermen have joined the main demonstration at Antwerp, in Belgium.

'Unjustified'

The protest comes ahead of negotiations being held at the European Commission (EC) next week, to determine the level of permitted fishing in 2004.

Reports from Calais at 1430 GMT suggested the blockade was lifting and the trawlers moving off.

Protesters fear the annual negotiations between the EC and the member states could lead to serious cuts in the fishing fleet, if plans to cut quotas to protect stocks go ahead.

I have two daughters, so at least I don't have the worry that my sons have no industry to go into Bob Casson Fishermen's delegate Fighting for the future of fishing Q&A: Why are fish stocks at risk?

A collection of fishermen called the European Fishing Action Group (EFAG) has organised the action.

Doug Beveridge, assistant chief executive of the National Federation of Fisherman's Organisations - a member of EFAG - said the Antwerp protest was the result of massive co-ordination between European fishermen.

Fishing boats are sailing from England, Northern Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Franch and other parts of Belgium to congregate at the port around lunchtime.

A press conference and demonstration will be held, and fish fried for the public to enjoy.

"We are there to shine some light on proposals which are often unjustified," said Mr Beveridge.

We share the Commission's objective of managing the fish stocks...but absolutely reject its unrealistic time-scale for recovery European Fishing Action Group

The EC has stopped short of recommending a total ban on cod fishing in the North Sea, Irish Sea and off the west coast of Scotland, despite the advice of experts.

But fisherman say existing recovery programmes, introduced in 2000, should be given more time to work before more cutbacks are considered.

"We share the Commission's objective of managing the fish stocks on a sustainable basis, but absolutely reject both its chosen instruments and its unrealistic time-scale for recovery," said a statement from the European Fishing Action Group.

'Militant protesters'

Additional local and regional demonstrations are being held in ports around the EU, including Calais, to publicise fears that rigid fishing restrictions are not the answer to dwindling fish stocks.

Other UK protests include Scarborough and Bridlington in Yorkshire and Fleetwood in Lancashire.

The Freight Transport Association said the French blockade would cost the UK transport industry more than �1m.

"The French government appear either not to care about this disgrace, or are helpless in doing anything about it. The usual Gallic shrug of the shoulders is simply not good enough," said external affairs director Geoff Dossetter.

Earlier French European Affairs Minister Noelle Lenoir reportedly told French TV her government supports the action.

We are still struggling with the highly-centralised, out-dated and failed quota system Andrew George, Lib Dem fisheries spokesman

During the Calais blockade - involving around a dozen boats - P&O Ferries is operating mini cruises to French territorial waters so travellers can shop on board at low duty rates.

A P&O spokesman said: "Sadly, the blockade has ruined the day tripper market today and those booked can either go on another day or get a refund."

"Time and again militant protesters ruin the travel arrangements of our customers," he added.

The dispute began at 0730 GMT on Wednesday and is due to end at 1600 GMT.

Neither the Eurostar nor the Eurotunnel service is affected by the dispute.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) said nothing short of closing key fishing grounds will do, after years of failed conservation schemes which have not led to the promised revival of stocks.

Liberal Democrat fisheries spokesman Andrew George said bureaucrats and politicians needed to take heed of the protests.

"The European Commissioners promised us regional management, but we are still struggling with the highly-centralised, out-dated and failed quota system.

"Fishermen and scientists should be left to define the small areas, rather than the species, that should not be fished."