Status: Dormant
The European Union and The Gambia have had a fisheries partnership since 1987.
The sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA) between the European Union and Republic of The Gambia entered into force on 31 July 2019 for a period of 6 years and is automatically renewed.
The most recent protocol ended on 30 July 2025.
A dormant agreement means that the partnership exists, but there is no active protocol. As a result, with no rules on catches and contributions, the EU fleet cannot fish in the waters of The Gambia. This also applies to direct licencing, in line with the agreement’s exclusivity clause and the common fisheries policy article 31(5).
However, dormant agreements can still be used for discussions and cooperation on fisheries issues.
News
The European Commission has officially launched the European Ocean Board, a high-level expert group supporting the implementation of the European Ocean Pact, the EU’s strategy to better protect the ocean, promote a thriving blue economy and support coastal communities.
The meeting aims to outline an ambitious set of actions to address the current global biodiversity crisis and declines of migratory species, including the European eel & tope shark.
After a full week at sea, it’s time to drop anchor and take stock. From 2 to 6 March, the European Ocean Days brought together policymakers, scientists, investors, youth representatives and industry leaders in Brussels for its third, and arguably most impactful, edition.