EC/Sao Tomé and Principe fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 1st June 2002 to 31 May 2005

PURPOSE : to approve the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution in the Agreement between the EC and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe on fishing off the coast of Sao Tome and Principe. CONTENT : The existing Protocol expired on 31 May 2002. A new Protocol was initialled by both parties on 14 February 2002 fixing the financial and technical conditions governing the fishing activities of the Community vessels in Sao Tome and Principe waters for the period from 1 June 2002 to 31 May 2005. Fishing opportunities are as follows: -freezer tuna seiners : 36 vessels. -pole-and-line tuna vessels: 2 vessels. -surface longliners: 25 vessels. The financial contribution is fixed at EUR 925 000 in the first year, EUR 637 000 in the second year, and EUR 382 000 in the third year. These sums are comprised of financial compensation as well as finances for measures relating to scientific and technical programmes and surveillance. In the first year, the Community will also provide EUR 50 000 for an evaluation study on deep-water crab. For deep water fishing vessels targeting crab, provision will be made for a 12-month period of experimental fishing. During this period, three vessels under 250 GRT may fish simultaneously in Sao Tome and Principe's exclusive economic zone (EEZ.) 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.�