Brussels, 24/08/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 11 August the European Commission adopted formal proposals on the new partnership agreement in the fisheries sector between the EU and Gabon. The Council of the EU now has to adopt these texts after consultation with the European Parliament, in order to allow the most important tuna fishing agreement ever concluded between the EU and a third country, to enter into force. The new agreement is for six years (3 December 2005 - 2 December 2011) and was initialled by the two parties on 28 October 2005 (EUROPE 9080) and grants Community boats tuna fishing rights in Gabon waters: 24 freezer tuna seiners (12 for Spain and 12 for France) and 16 surface longliners (13 for Spain and 3 for Portugal). The EU's financial contribution is set at €860,000 a year, 60% of which will be used to fund Gabonese fishing development measures. EU ship owner fees could bring Gabon €142,000 in additional income a year. The agreement also allows for incentives for experimental fishing (for a maximum time period of 6 months), especially for deep sea species in Gabonese waters.