PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius.
NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2018/754 on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius.
CONTENT: the Council decided to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius.
The first Protocol to the Agreement, concluded in 2014, expired on 27 January 2017. The new Protocol was signed on 8 December 2017, to cover a period of four years, subject to its conclusion at a later date. It shall be applied, on a provisional basis, from the date of its signature.
The objective of this Protocol is to enhance cooperation between the European Union and Mauritius to promote a sustainable fisheries policy, sound exploitation of fisheries resources in Mauritius waters and support Mauritius in the development of its sustainable ocean economy.
The Protocol opens fishing opportunities to 40 tuna seiners and 45 surface longliners and a maximum of 20 supply vessels to assist EU fishing vessels in their fishing activities.
The total financial contribution is set at EUR 2 300 000 for the entire period comprising:
- an annual amount for access to Mauritius waters of EUR 220 000 equivalent to a reference tonnage of 4000 tonnes per year;
- a specific amount of EUR 220 000 per year for the support and implementation of Mauritius' sectoral fisheries policy; and
- an additional amount of EUR 135 000 to support the development of maritime policy and ocean economy.
If the annual catch level of EU fishing vessels exceeds the annual reference tonnage, the financial contribution for each additional tonne caught shall be EUR 55, but shall not exceed twice the planned annual amount of EUR 220 000. If this limit is exceeded, the additional amount shall be paid in the following year.
As part of the Protocol:
- the Republic of Mauritius shall apply the same technical and conservation measures to all industrial fleets operating in its waters, in order to ensure a level playing field. At the same time, the Mauritius authorities shall provide the EU relevant information regarding foreign fishing activities in its waters;
- the EU and Mauritius shall implement this agreement in accordance with the Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement as regard to the respect of human rights, democratic principle and rule of law;
- the Parties shall cooperate in the field of fight against legal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU).
The Agreement establishes a Joint Committee to monitor the implementation of the Agreement.
ENTRY INTO FORCE: 27.5.2018.