Brussels, 31/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 31 May, the EU Council of Ministers adopted, without debate, a decision authorising the European Commission to open negotiations on behalf of the European Union to renew the protocol to the fisheries partnership agreement with Seychelles. The current protocol came into effect on 28 January 2005 and is due to expire on 17 January 2011. The Commission hopes to begin talks at the start of June.
The reference tonnage and corresponding financial contribution were revised at the joint committee meeting held in March 2007. From 17 January 2008, the financial contribution has become €5,355,000, with 56% of this sum dedicated to the support of the fisheries policy of the Seychelles, and the reference tonnage is 63,000 tonnes of tuna per year. The agreement authorises Community vessels from Spain, Portugal, France and Italy to fish in the waters of Seychelles. It forms part of the network of tuna fishing agreements in the Indian Ocean.
The Council decision highlights the need to take account of the following factors in the renewal of the agreement: - access to the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Seychelles and the necessary authorisations for the vessels of the European fleet to carry out fishing activities for tuna species in the above-mentioned EEZ; - the best available scientific advice; - access to fisheries resources based on the same criteria that apply to the current protocol and on developments observed over the past few years; - strengthening dialogue on sector policy with a view to encouraging the implementation of a responsible fisheries policy, consistent with the development objectives of the country, in particular with regard to monitoring control and surveillance of fishing activities, resource management and improved hygiene standards of fisheries products. (L.C./transl.rt)