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Oceans and fisheries
News announcement24 July 2019Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

EU concludes sustainable fishing partnership agreement protocol with Senegal

On 19 July 2019 the EU and Senegal concluded a new implementing protocol to the existing sustainable fisheries partnership agreement.

The EU and Senegal have a long-standing partnership in the field of fisheries, which started back in 1980 and has evolved during the years. The new 5-year protocol implementing the 2015 agreement is replacing the current protocol due to expire in November 2019. This new protocol allows EU vessels - a maximum of 28 tuna seiners, 10 pole-and-liners, 5 long liners and 2 trawlers - to fish tuna-like species and hake in the waters of Senegal. This is based on the best available scientific advice, a stakeholders’ consultation, and follows the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). Reflecting on the principles of the common fisheries policy, this protocol will contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of natural resources in the waters of Senegal as, based on scientific advice; it foresees a lower total allowable catches for hake compared to the current protocol. The reference tonnage for tuna has been adapted to historical catches. Furthermore, it also foresees measures to limit catches of marine birds and marine mammals, and to reinforce the role of scientific observers.

In exchange for the fishing rights, the EU will offer Senegal a yearly financial contribution of €1,700,000. Part of this contribution, €900,000 per year, is earmarked to promote the sustainable management of fisheries in Senegal, in particular through measures that reinforce control and surveillance capacities and the fight against illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing. Moreover, the EU funds will be used to promote the development of scientific capacities and to support the development of the artisanal fishing. In addition to this amount, ship owners will also contribute with approximately €1,350,000 per year.

The new protocol will enter into force when the necessary legislative procedures for its conclusion have been completed.

Details

Publication date
24 July 2019
Author
Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries