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EU/Liberia Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and Implementation Protocol from 9 December 2015 to 8 December 2020

2015/0224(NLE)

PURPOSE: to conclude a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution between the Union and Liberia.

NON LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2016/1062 on the conclusion on behalf of the European Union of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Liberia and the Implementation Protocol thereto.

CONTENT: with this Decision, the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Liberia and the Implementation Protocol thereto are hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

Objectives: the new Agreement provides for a framework taking into account the priorities of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy and its external dimension, with a view to establishing a strategic partnership between the European Union and Liberia.

The main objective of the new Protocol is to provide fishing opportunities to Union vessels in the Liberian fishing zone, on the basis of the best available scientific advice and respecting the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), where applicable within the limits of the available surplus.

The aim is also to enhance cooperation between the European Union and Liberia to promote a sustainable fisheries policy and sound exploitation of fisheries resources in Liberia’s fishing zone, in the interests of both parties.

Fishing opportunities: the Protocol provides for fishing opportunities in the following categories:

  • 28 tuna seiners;
  • 6 surface long-liners.

The allocation of fishing opportunities will be set out between the EU Member States.

Financial contribution: the annual financial contribution has been set at:

  • EUR 715 000 for the first year,
  • EUR 650 000 for the second, third and fourth years, and
  • EUR 585 000 for the fifth year, on the basis of:

(a) a reference tonnage of 6 500 tonnes, for which an amount linked to access has been set at EUR 357 500 for the first year, EUR 325 000 for the second, third and fourth years, and EUR 292 500 for the fifth year; and

 (b) support for development of the sectoral fisheries policy of the Republic of Liberia, amounting to EUR 357 500 for the first year, EUR 325 000 for the second, third and fourth years, and EUR 292 500 for the fifth year. This support meets the objectives of the national fisheries policy and in particular Liberia’s needs in relation to scientific research, artisanal fisheries as well as fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance and the fight against illegal fishing.

Joint committee: the Agreement set up a Joint Committee, which is responsible for monitoring the performance, interpretation and application of the Agreement. Furthermore, the Joint Committee may approve certain modifications to the Protocol. In order to facilitate the approval of such modifications, the Commission is empowered, subject to specific conditions, to approve them under a simplified procedure.

Duration of the agreement: the Protocol and the Agreement cover a period of five years from 9.12.2015.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: the Decision enters into force on 4.7.2016. The date of entry into force of the Agreement and of the Protocol will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union by the General Secretariat of the Council.