Brussels, 27/01/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 23 January, the Council of Ministers of the EU adopted without debate the regulation on a protocol to the fisheries agreement between the EU and the Seychelles, which covers the period from 18 January 2005 to 17 January 2011 (EUROPE 9030). Fishing opportunities were granted to 40 EU tuna seiners (17 French vessels, 22 Spanish vessels and one Italian) and 12 surface longliners (2 Spanish vessels, 5 French vessels and 5 Portuguese vessels). The financial recompense from the EU was set at 4.12 million euros per year and covers catches of 55 000 tons of tuna per year in Seychelles waters. 36 % of this recompense will aid the development of responsible and sustainable fishing in the Seychelles.