PURPOSE : to conclude a new fishing Protocol between the Community and Madagascar for the period from 21.05.2001 to 20.05.2004.
COMMUNITY MEASURE : Council Regulation 2526/2001/EC on the conclusion of a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the government of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar for the period from 21 May 2001 to 20 May 2004.
CONTENT : the Council adopted this Protocol which sets out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement.
The fishing opportunities set out in the Protocol shall be allocated among the Member States as follows:
(a) Tuna seiners:
Spain: 18 vessels
France: 20 vessels
Italy: 2 vessels
(b) Surface longliners:
Spain: 23 vessels
France: 10 vessels
Portugal: 7 vessels
If licence applications from these Member States do not cover all the fishing opportunities fixed by the Protocol, the Commission may take into consideration licence applications from any other Member State.
Under Article 2 of the Agreement, licences authorising fishing in Madagascar's fishing zone shall be granted to 40 freezer tuna seiners and 40 surface longliners for a period of three years beginning on 21 May 2001.
The financial contribution of the Agreement shall be fixed at EUR 825 000 per year (comprising EUR 308 000 financial compensation, to be paid not later than 30 November each year, and EUR 517 000 for the measures referred to below.
The financial contribution is to cover an annual catch of 11 000 tonnes of tuna in Malagasy waters; if the tuna caught by Community vessels in Madagascar's fishing zone exceeds this weight, the amount referred to above shall be proportionately increased.
Measures such as scientific programmes, a system of fisheries monitoring, checks and surveillance, study grants and training courses and assistance to the development of traditional fisheries shall be financed from the financial contribution to the amount of EUR 517 000 per year.
In addition, the Protocol stipulates that Community vessels fishing under this Agreement will be monitored by satellite under conditions agreed by the Parties. The Republic of Madagascar has implemented a Vessel Monitoring System on a non-discriminatory basis to all vessels operating in its fishing zone.
ENTRY INTO FORCE : 28.12.2001.�