Brussels, 06/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - A new fisheries protocol was successfully negotiated between the EU and Cape Verde at the end of 2010, the European Commission has announced in a press release published only on 4 January. The agreement allows Community vessels, mainly from Spain, France and Portugal, to fish for tuna in Cape Verde waters, and is part of EU's network of tuna agreements in the waters off West Africa.
The new three year protocol provides for an annual EU financial contribution of €435,000 (compared with €385,000 under the current protocol). It will come into force on 1 September, after the present protocol expires (on 31 August). The reference tonnage is 5,000 tonnes per year. The total financial contribution also includes €110,000 specifically to support the Cape Verde fisheries sector - €50,000 more than under the present protocol. Fishing possibilities have been adapted to match the real needs of the sector more closely, and will now be available for the following number of vessels; 28 tuna seiners (currently 25); 35 surface longliners (currently 48); and 11 pole-and-line fishing vessels (unchanged).
In addition, the EU and Cape Verde are committed to adopting a multi-annual plan for sustainable and responsible fishing by the end of November 2011. The new protocol can be suspended should either party commit a violation of fundamental human rights and/or democratic principles.
The first fisheries agreement concluded between the European Community and Cape Verde dates back to 1990. The Community fishing fleet ceased its activities in Cape Verde waters on 30 June 2005. Until the coming into force of the fisheries partnership agreement initialled in December 2005, therefore, there was no protocol in force. (L.C./transl.rt)