EC/Mauritius fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 3 December 2003 to 2 December 2007

PURPOSE : to conclude a new Protocol for fishing opportunities and financial compensation between the EU and the Government of Mauritius for the period 3 December 2003 to 2 December 2007. PROPOSED ACT : Council Regulation. CONTENT : A series of meetings between representatives from Mauritius and the European Union in September 2003 led to agreement on the technical and financial conditions under which Community fishing vessels can fish in Mauritius. It covers the period 3 December 2003 to 2 December 2007. The new Protocol grants fishing possibilities for: - 41 tuna seiner; - 49 surface long liners and - licences for 25 GRT per month on an annual average for vessels fishing by line. Financial compensation has been fixed at EUR 487 500 per year and covers a catch weight in the waters of Mauritius of 6 500 tons of catches per year. Part of the financial compensation equivalent to EUR 195 000 per year shall be earmarked to the financing of targeted actions, such as scientific and technical programmes, training, control and surveillance, including the VNS. New elements have been introduced into the new Protocol in line with the promotion of responsible and sustainable fishery in the Indian Ocean. Specifically speaking the new elements introduced include: - Duration of the Protocol lasting four, rather than the previous three, years. - An exclusive clause prohibiting any private licence or any other form of arrangement. - Obligation for the EU fleet operating the Mauritian waters to embark local seamen and to apply the social clause. - Fishing 15 miles from the coast rather than the previously agreed 12 miles. - Obligation for Community vessels to communicate any transhipment in Mauritius and - Sanctions for non-compliance with the Protocol and the relevant Mauritian legislation. The Commission will propose, under a separate procedure, a proposal for a Council Decision on the provisional application of the new Protocol. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: - Budget lines: 110301 (previous B78000) : "International Fisheries Agreements" 11010404 (ex B78000A) : "International Fisheries Agreements , administrative expenditure". - Total allocation for action (Part B): Min: EUR 2 010 000, Max: 3 960 000 in commitment and payment appropriations. - Period of application: 3.12.2003 to 2.12.2007 - Impact on staff: One permanent post Grade A; one permanent post Grade B; one permanet post Grade C.�