EC/Seychelles fisheries agreement: protocol for the period from 18 January 2005 to 17 January 2011
PURPOSE : to conclude the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Agreement between the EEC and the Seychelles on fishing off Seychelles.
PROPOSED ACT : Council Regulation
CONTENT : The Protocol annexed to the fisheries Agreement between the European Community and Seychelles expires on 17 January 2005. The two parties initialed a new Protocol on 23 September 2004 establishing the technical and financial conditions under which Community fishing vessels can fish in Seychelles w aters for the period 18 January 2005 to 17 January 2011.
The new Protocol grants fishing possibilities for 40 tuna seiners and 12 surface longliners. The financial compensation is fixed at EUR 4,125,000 per year and covers a catch weight in the waters of Seychelles of 55,000 tons of catches per year. However, in case of annual catches exceeding 55000 tons, the Community will pay EUR 75 per ton for each additional ton. In any case, the overall Community payment cannot exceed EUR 8.250.000 per year.
Part of the financial compensation equivalent to EUR 1,485,000 per year (36% of financial compensation) will be earmarked to enhancing and implementing a sectoral fisheries policy in Seychelles with a view to promote responsible fishing and sustainable fisheries in its waters.
The new Protocol is in line with the partnership approach in the fisheries sector, as defined by the Council in its recent conclusions on a Communication from the Commission on an integrated framework for Fisheries Partnership Agreements with third countries. According to the Protocol, the Commission and Seychelles shall agree on overall objectives to be achieved in the area of sustainable fishing and on the way to review the performance of such objectives, through a constant political dialogue. This will go much beyond the current reporting procedures, (submission of annual detailed reports and verification).
The Commission will, in particular, encourage the authorities of the Seychelles to adopt all necessary conservation and management measures, on non-discriminatory basis, in order to ensure sustainable exploitation of highly migratory species and to protect the environment in its waters.
Both Parties should exchange information on the implementation of IOTC recommendations against IUU within their jurisdiction (prohibition of landings by vessels not listed on the “white” list).
Finally, both Parties will seek to identify concrete issues of mutual interest and agree the form in which the political dialogue will be undertaken.
The Commission is accordingly proposing that the Council adopt by Regulation the new Protocol (2005/11) to the EC/Seychelles Fishery Agreement. A proposal for a Council Decision concerning the provisional application of the new Protocol is subject to a separate procedure.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS :
Budget lines (operational lines and related technical and administrative assistance lines (ex- B.A lines)) including headings:
110301: “International Fisheries Agreements”
11010404: “International Fisheries Agreements, administrative expenditure”.
Duration of the action and of the financial impact: The new Protocol, which contains the provisions on fishing possibilities and the financial contribution, has been concluded for a period of 6 years. It is applicable from 18 January 2005 to 17 January 2011.
Summary of resources (EUR million to 3 decimal places):
Operational expenditure:
Commitment and payment appropriations total: minimum EUR 24.750; maximum EUR 49.500
Administrative expenditure within reference amount: total EUR 0.238
Total reference amount commitment and payment appropriations: minimum EUR 24.988; maximum EUR 49.738
Administrative expenditure not included in reference amount:
-Human resources and associated expenditure (NDA): total EUR 0.390
Administrative costs, other than human resources and associated costs, not included in reference amount (NDA): total EUR 0.072
Total indicative financial cost of intervention: commitment and payment appropriations: minimum EUR 25.450; maximum EUR 50.200
Total number of human resources: 0.8 per annum.