EC/Madagascar fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 1st January 2004 to 31st December 2006

PURPOSE : to conclude a new Protocol for tuna fishing opportunities and financial contribution between the EU and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar for the period 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2006. PROPOSED ACT: Council Regulation. CONTENT : In September 2003 representatives from the Democratic Republic of Madagascar and the EU met to flesh out agreement on a new Protocol defining the technical and financial conditions governing the fishing activities of EU vessels in the waters off Madagascar. The current Fishing Protocol expires on 31 May 2004. The new Protocol will cover the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006. The Protocol grants fishing opportunities for 40 tuna seiners and 40 surface long liners. The financial contribution is fixed at EUR 825 000 per year, covering an annual catch of 11 000 tonnes of tuna in the waters off Madagascar. A large portion of this amount (EUR 505 000 per year) is earmarked for targeted measures, such as scientific and training programmes, support for an inspection and surveillance system, assistance with the development of traditional fisheries etc. As well as being in keeping with the tuna agreements concluded by the Community with other Indian Ocean countries, new elements have been introduced into the Protocol. They stress the promotion of responsible and sustainable fishery in the Indian Ocean. Specifically speaking the new elements introduced include: - An exclusivity clause, which prohibits the existence of private licences or other private arrangements outside the scope of the Agreement; - A detailed programme for targeted measures , including a schedule and the objectives to be achieved; - VMS requirements to reinforce checks on vessels operating in the waters off Madagascar, including the transmission of hourly reports giving their course and speed; - The social clause applicable to local seamen signed on by Community vessels; - Penalties imposed for infringements of the Protocol and - A section on safeguarding the marine environment and protected species. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: - Budget line: 110301 (ex B78000): "International fisheries agreements" 11010404 (ex B78000A): "International fisheries agreements: expenditure on administrative management". - Total allocation for action (Part B): min. EUR 2 411 385 and max. EUR 4 762 770 in commitment appropriations and payment appropriations. - Period of application: 2004-06. - Impact on human resources: 1 temporary post Grade B; 1 temporary post Grade C.�