On Wednesday 10 February, the EU and the Gabonese Republic reached a compromise on a new Protocol to the Fisheries Agreement between the parties. This Agreement allows EU vessels access to Gabonese waters for a period of five years and contributes to the development of the Gabonese fisheries sector.
The last protocol expired on 23 July 2016 (see EUROPE 11416/7).
In a press release, the Commission states that this new five-year protocol creates a framework for cooperation and governance over fisheries with Gabon and guarantees respect for the fundamental values of the EU’s common fisheries policy (sustainable resource management, improved fisheries governance and transparency).
In addition, this new protocol responds to Gabon’s desire to improve the sector’s competitiveness and encourage the creation of added value and workplaces.
Annual contribution of €1.6 million. Authorisation will be given to European tuna vessels’ access to the waters and fisheries resources of the Gabonese fishing zone, in return for an annual financial package from the EU of €1.6 million.
In addition, financial support worth €1 million per year will be provided by the EU to contribute to the development of the fisheries sector and the sustainable management of stocks (scientific capacity building, observation and management of the marine environment, measures to protect fragile ecosystems such as marine protected areas).
The support will also contribute to monitoring, control and surveillance of fisheries and will help tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
European shipowners will top up the EU contribution by around €2.6 million per year, to be adjusted according to their catch levels.
The European fleet (French and Spanish vessels) will consist of 27 tuna seiners, six pole-and-line tuna vessels and four trawlers targeting demersal fish and crustaceans as part of an exploratory fishery. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)