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Oceans and fisheries

Gabon

Sustainable fisheries partnership agreement with Gabon

The fisheries partnership agreement has been concluded between the EU and Gabon for 6 years tacitly renewable.

This fisheries agreement allows EU vessels from Spain and France to fish in the Gabonese waters and is part of the tuna network fisheries agreements in West Africa.

Main features of the SFPA

Duration of the agreement

6 years renewable tacitly 

Duration of the protocol

5 years (29.6.2021-28.6.2026)

Signature and provisional application

29 June 2021

Conclusion of the agreement

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Nature of the SFPA

Tuna fishery agreement; optional deep sea crustacean under exploratory fishery

Financial contribution

Yearly contribution: €2,600,000 out of which €1,000,000 has been earmarked for the promotion of sustainability through Gabon’s national fisheries policy.

Fee for ship owners

€75 until 31.12.2021, then €80 per tonne caught.

Access fee

€33,750 per year until 31.12.2021, then €36,000 for tuna seiners (450t) + €2,500 observer fees
€7,500 per year for supply vessel + €2,500 observer fees
€2,400 per year until 31.12.2021, then €2,560 for poles and lines (32t)

Maximum tonnage

32,000 t./year

CURRENT PROTOCOL
Fishing possibilities
  SPAIN FRANCE

TOTAL

VESSELS

Tuna seiners 15 12 27
Poles and lines vessels 5 1 6
Trawlers for deep sea crustaceans under exploratory fishery (optional) 4   4

History

The first fisheries agreement concluded between the EU and Gabon dates back to 1998.

Documents

Current legal framework

The Implementing Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Gabonese Republic and the European Community (2021-2026) was published in the OJ L 242 of 8.7.2021.

It was signed and entered in provisional application on the 29.06.2021 as authorised by Council Decision (EU) 2021/1117 of 28 June 2021 on the signing, on behalf of the European Union, and provisional application of the Implementing Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Gabonese Republic and the European Community (2021-2026).

The adoption of the Council Decision on the conclusion is to be adopted after European Parliament consent (pending)

Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1116 of 28 June 2021 on the allocation of fishing opportunities under the Implementing Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Gabonese Republic and the European Community (2021-2026)

Agreement and initial protocol adopted by Council Regulation 450/2007 of 16.4.2007 (OJ L109 of 26.4.2007).

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