European Union and Cabo Verde renew their sustainable fisheries partnership

The EU and Cabo Verde have signed a new protocol for the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) allowing access by EU vessels to Cabo Verdean waters for a period of 5 years, while preserving the development of the fisheries sector in Cabo Verde. The protocol will also strengthen fisheries governance and the protection of the marine environment, and support the creation of jobs and activities in the fisheries sector.  

An agreement for tuna fisheries 

The agreement will allow 56 fishing vessels from EU Member States to access Cabo Verde waters over a period of 5 years. 

The European fleet will consist of 24 tuna seiners, 10 pole-and-line tuna vessels and 22 surface longliners flying the flag of Spain, France or Portugal, fishing for tunas and associated species. The agreed annual reference is 7,000 tonnes of catches, which reflects the trend of catches in recent years by Union vessels in the Cabo Verde fishing zone. 

The EU contribution to this new protocol is estimated at €3.9 million over a period of 5 years, consisting of €780,000 per year, of which €430,000 will be dedicated to promoting Cabo Verde’s sustainable fisheries management, control and surveillance capacities, and supporting local fishing communities. In addition to the EU contribution, shipowners will pay fees to the Cabo Verde’s administration to be authorised to fish.  

Sustainable fisheries and development of blue economy 

This protocol will contribute to the sustainable management of maritime resources, to food and nutrition security and to the diversification of Cabo Verde’s economy, in line with Cabo Verde’s strategic objectives and the EU’s partnership policy.  

It responds to Cabo Verde’s desire to strengthen the industrialisation and competitiveness of the sector, given the strategic potential of Cabo Verde’s fishing zone in the tuna industry in the Atlantic Ocean.  

For Cabo Verde, the protocol should create added value and jobs by encouraging transhipments and landings of catches in the port of Mindelo, São Vicente, as well as the embarkation of local fishermen and observers on European vessels. One of the objectives is to ensure the best conditions to secure the supply of fishery products to local processing companies. 

Through this partnership, the EU will also contribute to: 

• Scientific capacity building 
• Observation and management of the marine environment and marine protected areas 
• Sustainable fisheries management  
• Fisheries control and the fight against Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) 

The new protocol also contains new provisions to improve vessel monitoring, the management of fishing authorisations, and enhanced management measures for sharks. 

Next steps 

The new protocol will provisionally apply as of today and will enter into force as soon as the ratification process by both parties has been completed, which for the EU implies the consent of the European Parliament.  

The provisional application allows the fishing activities of Union vessels in Cabo Verde waters to resume, after a short period of interruption since 19 May 2024, the date on which the previous protocol expired. 

Background 

Sustainable fisheries partnership agreements (SFPA) with non-EU countries are negotiated and concluded by the Commission on behalf of the EU.  

The current Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Cabo Verde entered into force on 20 March 2007 and is tacitly renewed. The last protocol implementing this agreement entered into force on 20 May 2019 for the period 2019-2024.  

The new protocol implementing the agreement covers fishing for tunas and associated species within the framework of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).  

More information 

Sustainable fisheries partnership agreements (SFPAs)