Spain and Britain at loggerheads over reef

Multilateral tension rose between the UK, Gibraltar and Spain as Spanish fishermen protested over the placement of an artificial reef off Gibraltar by the territory's British government.

In a protest that lasted an hour, fishermen voiced their concerns over the reef, which allegedly restricts their fishing grounds. However the authorities in Gibraltar replied that the fishermen should not be casting lines in the area.

The protest was described by the media as chaotic and tense as boats belonging to the protestors and the authorities passed amongst each other. No violence and incidents were reported. Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo thanked the Royal Navy, Gib Defence Police, HM Customs and Port Authority for their assistance

70 concrete blocks were dropped off into the sea to create an artificial reef to the West of Gibraltar's airport.

The Spanish government pointed fingers at Gibraltar accusing the territory's British government of breaching environmental laws and damaging Spain's fishing industry. A statement issued by the Spanish authorities read the reef was created "without the necessary authorisation in waters that are not theirs". However the UK government argued the reef was created to aid the increase of sea-life.

Gibraltar has long been disputed over by both Spain and the United Kingdom, with both sides claiming the territory's waters as theirs.

Reacting to the scenario in Gibraltar, the Spanish authorities have increased border checks, which led to lengthy delays. Spain argued the checks were part of a heightened campaign to combat smuggling of tobacco.

British Premier David Cameron accused Spain of breaching EU free movement regulations and called on President Jose Manuel Barroso to investigate Spain's politically motivated and disproportionate border checks.