EU and Mauritania sign a new 4-year Sustainable Fisheries Protocol
On 16th November, a new Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between EU and Mauritania has been signed.
The renewal of the Protocol means that EU vessels may resume their fishing activities in Mauritanian waters. The new Protocol will enter fully into force only after the necessary procedures have been completed, including the consent of the European Parliament.
With the new Protocol, the EU fleet will be allowed to fish in Mauritanian waters shrimp, demersal fish, tuna and small pelagic fish up to a total of 281 500 tons per year, under improved operational conditions. In addition to the catches paid for by the European fleet, the EU will pay a financial contribution of € 59.125 million per year to Mauritania, out of which € 4.125 million will be used to enhance fisheries governance and to support sustainable fisheries. The Commission’s aim is to ensure that fisheries are both economically and environmentally sustainable in the long term and are cost-effective. Thus the Commission strives to ensure that each Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement makes use of the best available scientific advice and delivers value for money.
The new protocol confirms the continuation of the cooperation between EU and Mauritania in the field of fisheries, a key sector for the development of Mauritania and one of the pillars of the European strategy for Blue Growth.
Source: European Commission