12/11/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Wednesday 11 November, the European Parliament approved (504 votes in favour, 70 against and 112 abstentions) the conclusion of the 2020-2026 fisheries agreement signed between the EU and the Republic of Seychelles (see EUROPE 12430/11). It grants fishing rights to European vessels fishing mainly for the different species of tuna present in Seychelles waters. The new protocol provides fishing opportunities for 40 tuna purse seine vessels (the same number as the previous protocol), eight surface longliners (two additional vessels compared to the previous protocol) and support vessels. The EU financial contribution amounts to EUR 5.3 million per year, of which EUR 2.5 million is for access to fisheries resources and EUR 2.8 million for support to the development of the Seychelles’ sectoral fisheries policy. (LC)