Fisheries Partnership Agreement: EU-Mauritania negotiations suspended
In a fourth round of talks on renewing the Protocol to the EU-Mauritania Fishing Partnership Agreement, the parties were unable to reach an agreement on a number of points, including finances. They therefore decided to suspend the discussions, held in Brussels on 9-10th October, to enable both parties to make the necessary internal consultations.
Based on the available surplus identified by the Joint Scientific Committee, and to ensure the sustainable exploitation of stocks, the EU is seeking to reduce the level of fishing opportunities for small pelagics, as well as the corresponding financial contributions that go along with them. This reduction is further justified by the level of small pelagic catches in the current Protocol.
The EU has expressed its willingness to continue the dialogue with Mauritania in order to reach a mutually satisfactory compromise and forge a long-lasting partnership. To this end, and given the new strategic direction of Mauritania, the EU is ready to substantially increase its financial support to the Mauritanian fisheries sector.
More information:
• (31/07/2014) Compromise found: Part of EU fleet can continue fishing in Mauritanian waters until end of 2014
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/mare/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=17613
• (27/07/2012) New protocol to the EU-Mauritania Fisheries Partnership Agreement initialled in Nouakchott
http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/cf/mare/itemlongdetail.cfm?item_id=8628&lang=en
• EU – Mauritania Fisheries Partnership Agreement
http://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/international/agreements/mauritania/index_en.htm
