EC/Sao Tomé e Principe fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 1st June 1999 to 31 May 2002

PURPOSE: the conclusion of the Protocol setting out for the period 01.06.1999 to 31.05.2002 the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Community and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome e Principe on fishing off the coast of Sao Tome and Principe. CONTENT: The Protocol to the Fisheries Agreement between the European Community and Sao Tome e Principe expired on 31.05.1999. A new Protocol fixing the technical and financial conditions governing the fishing activities of Community vessels in the waters of Sao Tome e Principe during the period 01.06.1999 to 31.05.2002 was initialled by both parties on 31.05.1999. The fishing opportunities fixed in the Protocol shall be allocated among the Member States as follows: - freezer tuna seiners: France 18, Spain 18; - pole-and-line tuna vessels: France 7; - surface longliners: Spain 28, Portugal 5. If licence applications from these Member States do not cover all the fishing opportunities fixed by the Protocol, the Commission may take into consideration licence applications from any other Member State. The financial compensation shall be EUR 318 750 per year, payable not later than 31 October 1999 for the first instalment and not later than 31 May 2000 and 31 May 2001 for the other two instalments. That amount shal cover an annual catch of 8 500 tonnes in Sao Tome e Principe waters. If the average catch exceeds this quantity, the amount of financial compensation shall be increased by EUR 50 per additional tonne. During the period covered by the Protocol, the Community shall contribute an additional EUR 956 250 to financing the following measures: - scientific and technical programmes to promote better understanding of fisheries and living resources (EUR 286 875); - stepping up surveillance, inspection and checks in the fishing zones (EUR 286 875); - institutional support to the administrative department responsible for fisheries (EUR 114 750); - study grants and practical training courses in the various scientific, technical and economic fields linked to fishing; Sao Tome e Principe's contributions to international fisheries organisations and expenses of Sao Tome e Principe delegates participating in international meetings concerning fisheries (EUR 191 250); - aid for small-scale fishing (EUR 76 500). The Commission proposes, on this basis, that the Council adopt by Regulation the conclusion of the new Protocol. A draft Council Decision on the provisional application of the new Protocol, pending its definitive entry into force, is subject to a separate procedure.�