EU/Mauritius Fisheries Partnership Agreement: implementing the Agreement (2022-2026). Protocol

The Committee on Fisheries adopted the report by François-Xavier BELLAMY (EPP, FR) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).

The committee responsible recommended that the European Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the protocol.

The Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) signed by the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius on 21 December 2013 expired on 7 December 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both parties have agreed to extend it for a further six months in July 2022, while a new protocol is negotiated.

The EU-Mauritius FPA allows the EU fleet to fish for tuna and tuna-like species in Mauritian waters, with annual fishing possibilities of 5 500 tonnes for 40 purse seiners, 45 surface longliners and a number of authorised EU auxiliary vessels, as established by the relevant resolutions of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). This agreement is important for the EU tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean and strengthens relations between the EU and Mauritius.

The new protocol provides for a total financial contribution of EUR 2 900 000, i.e. EUR 275 000 per year for access to Mauritian waters, EUR 275 000 per year for support for Mauritius' sectoral fisheries policy and its implementation, and EUR 175 000 per year to support the implementation of the maritime policy and the development of the blue economy. In addition, a financial contribution will be paid by shipowners in accordance with the provisions of the Annex.

The agreement also enables the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius to continue working more closely together on promoting sound exploitation of fishery resources in Mauritius waters and to support Mauritius to develop its fisheries sector, in the interests of both parties. It also facilitates the continuous cooperation with Mauritius as a strategic partner for alliance building and EU positioning in the region and in particular at the IOTC.