Brussels, 20/12/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Monday the EU Council of Ministers approved without debate the protocol for a two year fishing agreement (until August 2004) between the EU and Angola. This will involve financial compensation of EUR 13.9-15.5 million annually and a slight decrease in the number of tuna fishing boats. Boats that will be affected are from Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands. Fishing possibilities remain exactly the same (22 Spanish boats) with 6,555 GRT (gross registered tons) per month annually.
As for pelagic species (those living in the intermediate levels of the sea), two boats (Dutch and/or Irish) will undergo experimental fishing for six months. The results of this activity will be examined by the EU/Angola scientific committee, which will refer it to the joint committee. Depending on the results of this opinion, the joint committee will decide if it is possible to continue fishing for pelagic species in the framework of this protocol. If this proves to be the case, financial compensation will be adapted accordingly. Other fishing possibilities are as follows: demersal fishing boats (1,850 GRT per month for Spain, 1,100 GRT for Portugal, 750 GRT for Italy, 500 GRT for Greece; freezer tuna seiners, 15 boats (6 French and 9 Spanish); surface long-liners, 18 boats (4 Portuguese and 14 Spanish).