Brussels, 27/11/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European social partners in the fisheries sector believe that the new EU/Morocco fishing protocol “will be mutually beneficial for both sides and will be based on economic, social and environmental sustainability”.
They call on the European Parliament to approve the conclusion of the new protocol, “which will be of the greatest importance for both the European and Moroccan industries and fishermen”. They argue that: - the agreement with Morocco is of great benefit to a large number of member states (Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, the Netherlands, Ireland, Poland and the United Kingdom), affecting 126 vessels in all (small-scale fleet and industrial fleet); - more than 1,500 crew members will be affected by the agreement (around 500 will be Moroccan nationals) and the landing obligations in Moroccan ports will create jobs and contribute to the development of communities dependent on fishing in the country; - fishing possibilities will increase by 33%; - the contribution to be paid by shipowners will increase by around 200%; - the EU's financial contribution is down 17%; - the protocol contains a human rights clause which could lead to suspension of the agreement in the event of a violation of democratic principles and fundamental rights by Morocco; - sectoral policy, geographical distribution and scientific co-operation have been stepped up. The sectoral social dialogue committee for maritime fishing represents both employers and those working in small-scale and industrial fishing across Europe. (LC/transl.fl)