EC/Seychelles fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 18 January 1996 to 17 January 1999

OBJECTIVE : conclusion of a new fisheries Protocol between the Union and the Seychelles establishing the technical and financial conditions under which Community fishing vessels can fish in Seychelles waters in the period 18 January 1996 to 17 January 1999. COMMUNITY MEASURE : Council Regulation (EC) No 2407/96/EC on the conclusion of the Protocol defining, for the period from 18 January 1996 to 17 January 1999, the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Seychelles on fishing off Seychelles. SUBSTANCE : the fishing opportunities opened under the Protocol concern, first and foremost, Spanish and French fishermen. The fishing opportunities are allocated as follows: - freezer tuna seiners : France: 20 vessels; Spain: 22 vessels; - surface longliners : France: 5 vessels; Spain: 10 vessels; In exchange for these fishing opportunities, the financial compensation given to the Republic of Seychelles totals ECU 6.9 million, which corresponds to a catch of 46 000 tons. To this compensation is added : - an EU contribution of ECU 2 700 000 towards the financing of scientific programmes in the Seychelles (greater knowledge of highly migratory species, purchase and maintenance of equipment to improve the administrative structure relating to fisheries); - making available an amount of ECU 300 000 for study or practical training awards in the various subjects relating to fisheries (part of this amount, up to ECU 100 000, may be used to cover the cost of attending international meetings relating to fisheries). An Annex and Appendix to the Protocol lay down conditions for the issue of licences and conditions for the pursuit of fishing activities by Community vessels in Seychelles' waters (a fee of ECU 20 per tonne caught; declaration of catches; communications; fishing zones; port equipment and use of supplies and services; employment of seamen; scientific observers; landing; sanctions). ENTRY INTO FORCE : the Regulation enters into force on 22 December 1996. �