Brussels, 05/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission and Angola have initialled a protocol to renew the fisheries agreement between the European Union and Angola for a period of 2 years up to August 2004. Financial compensation has been increased and there has been a slight decrease in the number of boats fishing for tuna. Vessels operating under this protocol come from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands. Fishing possibilities in shrimp fisheries remain the same with 22 vessels allowed to operate. The tonnage of the vessels able to target demersal fisheries (species living close to the seabed) has been increased from 3,750 GT (Gross tonnes) to 4,200 GT. There has been a slight decrease in the number of tuna seiners from 18 to 15 and in the number of surface long-liners from 25 to 18. In the case of pelagic fisheries (species living in mid-water) 2 vessels will undertake experimental fisheries for a period of 6 months. The results from these fisheries will be examined by the EU/Angola scientific committee, which will report to the joint committee. On the basis of this advice, the joint committee will decide on whether there is scope for a continuation of pelagic fisheries under the protocol.
The EU financial contribution will be increased from €13,975,000 per year to €15,500,000. The share allocated to specific measures in favour of Angola's fishing sector will go up from 29% to 35% of this contribution (€5,525,000). The Commission outlines that €1,150,000 per year have been earmarked for the development of small-scale fisheries and support for fishing communities. The financial contribution by shipowners have been increased for tuna seiners and longliners. It remains the same for pelagic vessels and is slightly decreased for shrimp vessels.
All EU vessels operating under this protocol will fish beyond the 12-mile coastal band, thus eliminating any risk of competition with the artisanal vessels. The two parties have agreed on a period of biological rest. They also agreed on a programme of satellite monitoring for EU vessels.