Brussels, 30/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission adopted proposals on Wednesday 30 September on the conclusion of the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Liberia (see EUROPE 11330).
A new agreement and a new protocol were initialled on 5 June 2015. They cover a period of five years from the date of their provisional application, that is, from their date of signature.
The main objective of the new protocol is to provide fishing opportunities to EU vessels in the Liberian fishing zone, on the basis of the best available scientific advice and respecting the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), where applicable within the limits of the available surplus.
The protocol provides for fishing opportunities in the following categories: - 28 tuna seiners; - 6 surface long-liners. The annual financial contribution to be paid by the EU is €715,000 for the first year, €650,000 for the second, third and fourth years, and €585,000 for the fifth year, on the basis of: - a reference tonnage of 6,500 tonnes, for which an amount linked to access has been set at €357,500 for the first year, €325,000 for the second, third and fourth years, and €292,500 for the fifth year; - support for development of the sectoral fisheries policy of the Republic of Liberia, amounting to €357,500 for the first year, €325,000 for the second, third and fourth years, and €292,500 for the fifth year. This support meets the objectives of the national fisheries policy and in particular the Republic of Liberia's needs in relation to scientific research, artisanal fisheries as well as fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance and the fight against illegal fishing. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)