Brussels, 09/07/2002 (Agence Europe) - The EU and the island Republic of Kiribati have signed a fisheries agreement for an initial period of three years. The agreement will provide tuna fishing possibilities for Spanish, French and Portuguese vessels. This is the first agreement signed by the EU in Pacific waters. The contribution from the Community budget in compensation paid to the local authorities amounts to EUR 1.378 million over three years: - EUR 546,000 the first year for the right to catch 8,400 tonnes of tuna; - and EUR 416,000 for the next two years (6,400 tonnes of tuna), with the possibility of an increase of EUR 65,000 per year for each additional license obtained.
During the first year of application of the protocol, 6 purse seiners and 12 longliners will receive fishing rights. From the second year on, the fishing possibilities will be for a minimum of 4 purse seiners and 12 longliners. The Commission, however, points out that the number of purse seiners could be increased up to 11 depending on the decisions taken at international level under the Palau Agreement on the management of fisheries in the Western Pacific. As far as technical measures are concerned, we would point out that, in addition to respecting the 12-mile rule, EU vessels will have to employ two local seamen per vessel and will be required to tranship at least three times per year in a Kiribati port.