Brussels, 13/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament gave its approval on Tuesday 13 January to conclusion of the protocol to the new EU-Sao Tomé and Principe fisheries agreement with the adoption of the report by Joao Ferreira (GUE/NGL, Portugal) (see EUROPE 11213).
Under the previous protocol, in force from 13 May 2011 to 12 May 2014, 40 EU tuna vessels were authorised to fish: 28 seiners and 12 surface longliners. The annual financial contribution was €682,500, around 35% of which was to be used to support the sectoral fisheries policy of São Tomé and Principe.
A new protocol was initialled on 19 December 2013. It came into force (provisionally) for a four-year period from 23 May 2014 and provides fishing opportunities for 34 EU vessels (28 tuna seiners and six surface longliners). The annual financial contribution has been set at €710,000 for the first three years and €675,000 for the fourth year, €325,000 being earmarked for support for the sectoral fisheries policy of São Tomé and Principe. The fees to be paid by shipowners have risen from €35/tonne to €55 for the first two years, €60 for the third year and €70 for the fourth year.
The first fisheries agreement between the EEC and São Tomé and Príncipe was signed in 1984. (LC)