EC/Seychelles fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 18 January 2002 to 17 January 2005

PURPOSE : to conclude the Protocol defining, for the period from 18 January 2002 to 17 January 2005, the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Seychelles on fishing off Seychelles. CONTENT : the Protocol to the Fisheries Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Republic of Seychelles expires on 17 January 2002. A new Protocol was initialled by both parties on 28 September 2001 fixing the technical and financial conditions governing the fishing activities of Community vessels in Seychelles waters during the period 18 January 2002 to 17 January 2005. The Commission proposes, on this basis, that the Council adopt by Regulation the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the relevant financial and technical conditions agreed between the European Community and the Republic of Seychelles for the period from 18 January 2002 to 17 January 2005. A proposal for a Council Decision on the provisional application of the new Protocol pending its definitive entry into force is the subject of a separate procedure. The fishing possibilities provided for in the Protocol are allocated among the Member States as follows: - Tuna seiners: Spain 18 vessels France 20 vessels Italy 1 vessel United Kingdom 1 vessel - Surface longliners: Spain 15 vessels France 5 vessels Portugal 7 vessels With regard to the financial contribution, it shall be set at EUR 3,460,000 per year, out of which Seychelles agrees to allocate EUR 1,160,000 per year. The balance (EUR 2,300,000), hereinafter referred to as financial compensation, shall be paid into an account belonging to the government of Seychelles notified by the Central Bank of Seychelles. The financial contribution corresponds to a catch of 46,000 tons of tuna per year in Seychelles waters. If the catch by Community vessels in Seychelles waters exceeds 46,000 tons, the Community shall increase the financial contribution proportionately. The first instalment of the financial compensation is to be paid not later than 30 September 2002 and the others by 18 January 2003 and 18 January 2004. During the 3 year period, it is proposed that the measures set out below shall be financed from the financial contribution, to the total amount of EUR 3,480,000, broken down as follows: - EURO 1,230,000 for the development of local fisheries; - EURO 1,000,000 for the setting up and development of a monitoring control and surveillance system, including appropriate technical assistance; - EURO 950,000 for scientific and technical programmes aiming at greater knowledge of fish stocks; - EURO 300,000 for training courses in the various scientific, technical and economic fields linked to fishing and for attending international meetings.�