The European Parliament voted 77 to 8 with 13 abstentions to adopting the report by Mrs Carmen FRAGA ESTEVEZ (EPP-ED, E) approving a fisheries agreement with Madagascar to allow EU fishermen to continue fishing tuna in Malagasy waters with a number of non-binding amendments. The amendments seek to oblige the Commission to produce a report assessing the agreement and to forward it both to Council and Parliament.
To recall, the annual financial contribution from the EU is projected at EUR 825 000 - of which EUR 308 000 of financial compensation would be paid each year by 30 November, and EUR 517 000, paid towards targeted measures to promote Malagasy fisheries.
The cost per tonne of tuna caught has gone up from EUR 20 to EUR 25 as a result of an increase in the contribution by shipowners for fishing rights. The fishing zone in which EU vessels may operate has also been extended from 10 to 12 miles. �