Beginning in 1972, the fishing dispute between Britain and Iceland was known as the Cod Wars. This conflict arose due to disagreements over fishing rights in the North Atlantic, specifically concerning the valuable cod fish stocks in the region.

The Cod Wars consisted of a series of confrontations between the two countries, with Iceland asserting its rights to control its own waters and protect its fishing industry. Britain, on the other hand, argued that it had traditionally fished in these waters and had historical rights to do so.

One of the key events of the Cod Wars was the extension of Iceland's territorial waters from 12 to 50 nautical miles in 1972, which effectively cut off British trawlers from their traditional fishing grounds. This move sparked a series of clashes between Icelandic Coast Guard vessels and British fishing boats, leading to tensions between the two nations.

The Cod Wars continued through the 1970s, with further confrontations and negotiations taking place. In 1976, a compromise was reached, allowing British trawlers limited access to Icelandic waters under a new agreement.

Despite the resolution of the conflict, the Cod Wars had a lasting impact on the fishing industry in both countries. Iceland's assertion of its rights to control its waters set a precedent for other nations seeking to protect their marine resources, while Britain was forced to adapt its fishing practices in the face of changing regulations.

For more information on the Cod Wars and the fishing dispute between Britain and Iceland, you can visit the following links:

• BBC - The Cod Wars
• History.com - The Cod Wars

Overall, the Cod Wars serve as a reminder of the complex issues surrounding fishing rights and sovereignty in the North Atlantic, and the importance of international cooperation in managing shared marine resources.

Sign Up