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.
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