18/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - EP approves new agreement between EU and Mauritius. On 16 April, the European Parliament approved a new six-year fisheries agreement between the EU and the Republic of Mauritius. This will include the EU paying annual financial compensation of €660,000 (€357,500 for the annual reference tonnage of 5,500 tonnes and €302,500 to support maritime policy and fishing in Mauritius). Fishing opportunities: 41 tuna seiners and 45 surface longliners will be authorised to fish an annual reference tonnage of 5,500 tonnes. Nevertheless, on the basis of the annual assessments of the state of stocks, these fishing opportunities could be revised upwards or downwards, which would lead to a corresponding review of the financial contribution. Advances and fees payable by ship owners: €35 per tonne of tuna caught in the Mauritian fishing area. (LC/transl.fl)