Brussels, 01/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission published an expert report on Tuesday 1 April which provides an ex ante evaluation for a possible fisheries partnership agreement (FPA) and protocol between the EU and Liberia. Such an agreement, if put in place, would provide the basis for fishing authorisations from Liberia for the EU fleet to target highly migratory species in its economic exclusion zone (EEZ). The report is useful ahead of granting the Commission a mandate to negotiate such an agreement with Liberia. It identifies two options: 1) a partnership agreement with Liberia for highly migratory species (for about 25 EU purse seine vessels with financial contributions for access and sectoral support, and with a joint committee to oversee implementation); 2) EU vessel owners continue to negotiate a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Liberian government to have access to Liberian waters. The evaluation suggests that the first option is preferable. (LC)