The EU and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania have agreed to extend, for a maximum of one year, the current protocol to the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement, which was due to expire in November 2019, the European Commission announced on Wednesday 4 September.
Last July, the EU Council of Ministers gave the Commission a mandate to negotiate a new Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Mauritania (see EUROPE 12291/28).
The current Protocol (2015-2019) expires on 16 November 2019.
The EU fleet is allowed to fish in Mauritanian waters for shrimp, demersal fish, tuna and small pelagic fish, up to a total of 287,050 tonnes a year. The EU is providing a financial contribution of €61.625 million per year to Mauritania.
This extension “respects the existing protocol” and confirms its underlying principles, says the Commission. It will allow for the continuation of fishing activities of EU operators in Mauritanian waters from 16 November 2019.
Meanwhile negotiations for a new agreement and protocol will continue.
The two parties agreed on an exceptional derogation procedure to tackle potential border blockages during the transport (for export) of fresh fish caught in Mauritanian waters. The extension will enter into force when the necessary legislative procedures have been completed. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)