The partnership agreement in the field of sustainable fisheries signed between Morocco and the European Union on 14 January is entering its concrete phase (see EUROPE 12206/24). In accordance with the provisions of the agreement, the first Joint Committee, composed of representatives of both parties, completed its work on Thursday 18 July in Rabat.
Thus, the first fishing licences will be granted to EU vessels by the Department of Maritime Fisheries in Morocco in the coming days, says the Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
During this meeting, representatives of the EU and Morocco reviewed the practical arrangements and technical aspects to be respected by European vessels. The parties adopted the documents on the method and key for allocating the financial compensation paid by the EU and the implementation of sectoral support. In addition, each European vessel fishing under the agreement will have to employ between 2 and 16 Moroccan seamen, not counting the Moroccan observers who regularly board these vessels.
The four-year protocol provides for a percentage of mandatory landings of catches in Moroccan ports. One hundred and twenty eight EU vessels are authorised to fish. The EU's financial contribution will increase from €37 million to €42.4 million. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)