EC/Côte d'Ivoire Fisheries Partnership Agreement: fishing opportunities and financial contribution from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2018. Protocol

PURPOSE: to conclude a new EU-Côte d'Ivoire Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the two Parties currently in force.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision 2014/102/EU on the conclusion of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire (2013-2018).

BACKGROUND: on 17 March 2008, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 242/2008 on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.  

The Union negotiated a new Protocol with the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire granting Union vessels fishing opportunities in waters in which the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire exercises its sovereignty or jurisdiction with respect to fishing.

The new Protocol was signed on the basis of Council Decision 2013/303/EU, and will be provisionally applied as from 1 July 2013.

The new Protocol should now be concluded on behalf of the European Union.

CONTENT: under the Decision, the Council concluded on behalf of the Union, with the European Parliament’s consent, a new Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement.

Aim: the general aim is to enhance the cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, thereby creating a partnership framework within which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and sound exploitation of fishery resources in the Ivorian fishing zone, in the interests of both Parties.

Protocol: more particularly, the Protocol provides for fishing opportunities in the following categories:

- fishing opportunities :

·        28 freezer tuna seiners,

·        10 surface longliners.

- financial contribution : the financial contribution shall be EUR 680 000 for the entire period.

This amount comprises:

·        an annual amount of EUR 422 500 for access to the Ivorian fishing zone equivalent to a reference tonnage of de 6 500 tonnes per year;

·        a specific amount of EUR 257 500 per year for the support and implementation of the Ivorian sectoral fisheries policy. This support meets the objectives of the national fisheries policy and in particular the needs of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire in the fight against illegal fishing.

The annual financial contribution of EUR 680 000 is based on a reference tonnage. If the overall quantity of catches by EU vessels in the Ivorian fishing zone exceeds the reference tonnage, the amount of the annual financial contribution shall be increased by EUR 65 for each additional tonne caught. However, the total annual amount paid by the Union shall not be more than twice the amount indicated in the Protocol (EUR 422 500 x2).

Review of fishing opportunities by mutual agreement: the fishing opportunities may be increased by mutual agreement provided that the consultations confirm that such an increase will not endanger the sustainable management of the resources of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. In this case the financial contribution shall be increased proportionately and pro rata temporis.

Duration of the Protocol: the new Protocol covers a period of five years from 1 July 2013.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: the Decision shall enter into force on 28.01.2014. The Protocol shall enter into force as soon as all of the necessary procedures have been completed.