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EC/Denmark/Greenland Fisheries Partnership Agreement: fishing opportunities and financial contribution from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2015. Protocol

2012/0130(NLE)

PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and the Home Rule Government of Greenland, on the other hand.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

BACKGROUND: on the basis of relevant Council mandate, the Commission on behalf of the European Union negotiated with the Governments of Denmark and Greenland to renew the

Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and these two governments.

Following these negotiations, a new Protocol was initialed on 3 February 2012, which covers a period of three years starting from 1 January 2013.

The new Protocol is in line with the objectives of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement aiming at strengthening the cooperation between the European Union and Greenland and promoting a partnership framework in which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and responsible exploitation of fishery resources in the Greenlandic EEZ in the interests of both Parties. 

IMPACT ASSESSMENT: no impact assessment was undertaken.

LEGAL BASIS: Article 43, paragraph 2 in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a) TFEU.

CONTENT: the Commission proposes to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community on the one hand, and Denmark and Greenland, on the other hand.

Duration: the Protocol covers a period of three years starting from 1 January 2013.

Fishing opportunities: the indicative level of fishing opportunities authorised by Greenland (in tonnes) to the European fleet has been set out by year from 2013 to 2015 for the following species in the specified zones:

  • cod;
  • pelagic redfish;
  • demersal redfish;
  • Greenland halibut in NAFO;
  • Greenland halibut in ICES;
  • Northern prawn in NAFO;
  • Northern prawn in ICES;
  • Atlantic halibut;
  • Atlantic halibut in ICES;
  • snowcrab;
  • capelin ;
  • grenadiers.

The levels of the fishing opportunities may be reviewed by the Joint Committee, taking into account available scientific advice, the precautionary approach, the needs of the fishing industry.

There are special provisions on Northern prawn. The maximum quantities which may be taken as by-catch are limited to a rate of 10 % of the quota of the targeted stock as expressed in the fishing authorisation for all fishing activities, except for fishing activities targeting Northern Prawn where this rate is reduced to 5 %.

Financial contribution: the new Protocol provides for a total financial contribution of EUR 17  847 244 per year for the whole period. This amount corresponds to:

  • EUR 15.104.203 per year for the access to the Greenlandic EEZ
  • EUR 2.743.041 per year, corresponding to the additional envelop paid by the EU to support Greenland fisheries policy.

Specific provisions: there are provisions to ensure sustainable management of the fishery resources. The Joint Committee shall agree on a multiannual sectoral programme and detailed implementing rules. There are also provisions on scientific cooperation to ensure sustainable fishing.

BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS: the total financial envelop allocated to this fisheries protocol is EUR 53.9 million from 2013 to 2015, including administrative costs and human resources.

The financial contribution is comprised of (a) an annual amount of EUR 15.104.203 EUR, equivalent to an annual quota of 85 765 tonnes, and (b) an annual amount of EUR 2. 743.041, paid in support of Greenland fisheries policy. The total amount of the financial contribution paid by the European Union shall not be more than twice the amount of EUR 15. 104.203.