BETA


2022/0249(NLE) EU/Mauritius Fisheries Partnership Agreement: implementing the Agreement (2022-2026). Protocol

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead PECH BELLAMY François-Xavier (icon: EPP EPP) BARTOLO Pietro (icon: S&D S&D), BILBAO BARANDICA Izaskun (icon: Renew Renew), STANCANELLI Raffaele (icon: ECR ECR), HAZEKAMP Anja (icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL)
Committee Opinion DEVE BIJOUX Stéphane (icon: Renew Renew)
Committee Opinion BUDG GUERREIRO Francisco (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE) Eider GARDIAZABAL RUBIAL (icon: S&D S&D)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
TFEU 043-p2, TFEU 218-p6a

Events

2023/11/17
   Final act published in Official Journal
2023/07/12
   EP/CSL - Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
2023/06/14
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2023/06/14
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 526 votes to 37, with 52 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).

Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Protocol.

The objective of the Protocol is to enable the European Union and Mauritius to work more closely together in promoting cooperation in the field of ocean economy, aquaculture, sustainable development of the oceans, maritime spatial planning, marine energy and the marine environment, maritime policy development and the blue economy, while contributing to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.

The EU-Mauritius FPA allows the EU fleet to fish for tuna and tuna-like species in Mauritian waters, with annual fishing possibilities of 5 500 tonnes for 40 purse seiners, 45 surface longliners and a number of authorised EU auxiliary vessels, as established by the relevant resolutions of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

This agreement is important for the EU tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean and strengthens relations between the EU and Mauritius.

The new protocol provides for a total financial contribution of EUR 2 900 000, i.e. EUR 275 000 per year for access to Mauritian waters, EUR 275 000 per year for support for Mauritius' sectoral fisheries policy and its implementation, and EUR 175 000 per year to support the implementation of the maritime policy and the development of the blue economy. In addition, a financial contribution will be paid by shipowners in accordance with the provisions of the Annex.

Documents
2023/05/25
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
Details

The Committee on Fisheries adopted the report by François-Xavier BELLAMY (EPP, FR) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).

The committee responsible recommended that the European Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the protocol.

The Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) signed by the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius on 21 December 2013 expired on 7 December 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both parties have agreed to extend it for a further six months in July 2022, while a new protocol is negotiated.

The EU-Mauritius FPA allows the EU fleet to fish for tuna and tuna-like species in Mauritian waters, with annual fishing possibilities of 5 500 tonnes for 40 purse seiners, 45 surface longliners and a number of authorised EU auxiliary vessels, as established by the relevant resolutions of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). This agreement is important for the EU tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean and strengthens relations between the EU and Mauritius.

The new protocol provides for a total financial contribution of EUR 2 900 000, i.e. EUR 275 000 per year for access to Mauritian waters, EUR 275 000 per year for support for Mauritius' sectoral fisheries policy and its implementation, and EUR 175 000 per year to support the implementation of the maritime policy and the development of the blue economy. In addition, a financial contribution will be paid by shipowners in accordance with the provisions of the Annex.

The agreement also enables the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius to continue working more closely together on promoting sound exploitation of fishery resources in Mauritius waters and to support Mauritius to develop its fisheries sector, in the interests of both parties. It also facilitates the continuous cooperation with Mauritius as a strategic partner for alliance building and EU positioning in the region and in particular at the IOTC.

Documents
2023/05/24
   EP - Vote in committee
2023/04/26
   EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2023/03/30
   EP - Committee opinion
Documents
2023/03/30
   EP - BIJOUX Stéphane (Renew) appointed as rapporteur in DEVE
2023/03/09
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2023/02/02
   EP - BELLAMY François-Xavier (EPP) appointed as rapporteur in PECH
2023/01/16
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2022/12/22
   EC - Legislative proposal published
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius was concluded by Council Decision 2014/146/EU and entered into force on 28 January 2014.

The Protocol for the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026) was signed subject to its conclusion at a later date.

CONTENT: the purpose of this draft Council is to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Protocol for the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).

The objective of the Protocol is to enable the European Union and Mauritius to work more closely together in promoting cooperation in the field of ocean economy, aquaculture, sustainable development of the oceans, maritime spatial planning, marine energy and the marine environment, maritime policy development and the blue economy, while contributing to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.

Fishing opportunities

The fishing opportunities granted under Article 5 of the Agreement for highly migratory species (as listed in Annex 1 to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) are as follows:

- 40 purse seine vessels; and

- 45 surface longliners.

Mauritius will authorise EU supply vessels to assist in the operations of Union vessels authorised in Mauritius waters within the limits and terms of applicable IOTC resolutions on supply vessels.

Financial contribution

The total financial contribution is fixed at EUR 2 900 000.

This total financial contribution will comprise:

- an annual amount of EUR 275 000 equivalent to a reference tonnage of 5 500 tonnes per year for access to Mauritian waters

- a specific amount of EUR 275 000 per year for the support and implementation of the sectoral fisheries policy of Mauritius; and

- an additional amount of EUR 175 000 to support the development of the maritime policy and the development of the blue economy.

The Commission is empowered to approve, on behalf of the Union, amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee set up under Article 9 of the Agreement. The Commission will ensure that the approval on behalf of the Union:

- is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy;

- is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of joint management by coastal States;

- takes account of the latest statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission.

The procedure for the approval of amendments to the Protocol to be adopted by the Joint Committee is described in the Annex to the draft Council Decision.

Documents
2022/11/16
   EP - GUERREIRO Francisco (Verts/ALE) appointed as rapporteur in BUDG
2022/09/16
   EC - Document attached to the procedure
2022/09/16
   EC - Document attached to the procedure
2022/09/16
   EP - Preparatory document
Details

PURPOSE: to conclude a Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Mauritius was signed on 21 December 2012 and entered into force on 28 January 2014 for a period of 6 years. The latest protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement covered a period of 4 years from the date of its provisional application, i.e. its signature. It was signed on 8 December 2017 and expired on 7 December 2021.

The Commission has conducted negotiations with Mauritius on the conclusion of a new Protocol to the EU-Mauritius Fisheries Partnership Agreement. As a result of these negotiations, a new protocol was initialled on 7 May 2022. The new protocol covers a period of 4 years from the date of provisional application of the protocol, i.e. the date of its signature by both parties.

The 2017-2021 Protocol was considered relevant to the needs of EU stakeholders as it provided EU ship owners with predictable access to a productive fishing area where targeted species are abundant.

CONTENT: the purpose of this proposal is to authorise the conclusion of the Protocol for the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).

The objective of the Protocol is to enable the European Union and Mauritius to work more closely together in promoting cooperation in the field of ocean economy, aquaculture, sustainable development of the oceans, maritime spatial planning, marine energy and the marine environment, maritime policy development and the blue economy, while contributing to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.

Fishing opportunities

The new Protocol provides fishing opportunities for EU vessels in Mauritian waters. This is based on the best available scientific advice and the recommendations made by the regional fisheries organisation that manages highly migratory fish stocks, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, where applicable within the limits of the available surplus.

The Protocol provides for the following fishing opportunities: (a) 40 tuna seiners; (b) 45 surface longliners.

Financial contribution

The annual financial contribution will be EUR 725 000 , based on:

(a) a reference tonnage of 5 500 tonnes, for which an annual amount linked to access has been set at EUR 275 000;

(b) support for the development of Mauritius' sectoral fisheries policy, amounting to EUR 275 000 per year; and

(c) support for the development of the maritime policy and the blue economy, amounting to EUR 175 000 per year.

On sectoral support, the evaluation noted that the programme had been implemented with delays and that a future sectoral support programme should aim as a matter of priority to strengthen Mauritius’ capacity to comply with its international obligations, in particular those related to scientific observations, catch sampling and port inspections. A future sectoral support programme could also help develop the national fishing sector through support to small-scale fishers and the development of a semi-industrial segment.

Documents

Votes

Accord de partenariat dans le secteur de la pêche UE/Maurice: mise en oeuvre de l'accord (2022-2026). Protocole - A9-0196/2023 - François-Xavier Bellamy - Projet de décision du Conseil #

2023/06/14 Outcome: +: 526, 0: 52, -: 37
DE PL ES FR IT RO NL AT BE HU BG PT SE LT SK CZ EL DK HR FI SI LV EE IE CY LU MT
Total
83
50
52
73
53
26
27
19
19
17
16
19
19
11
13
21
14
12
10
12
8
8
6
13
6
4
4
icon: PPE PPE
149

Italy PPE

2

Hungary PPE

1

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Finland PPE

2

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Cyprus PPE

2

Luxembourg PPE

1
icon: S&D S&D
129

Belgium S&D

2

Lithuania S&D

2

Czechia S&D

For (1)

1

Greece S&D

1

Croatia S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

2

Latvia S&D

2

Estonia S&D

2

Cyprus S&D

2

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1
icon: Renew Renew
92

Poland Renew

1

Italy Renew

2

Austria Renew

For (1)

1

Hungary Renew

For (1)

1

Sweden Renew

2

Lithuania Renew

1

Greece Renew

1

Croatia Renew

For (1)

1

Finland Renew

3

Slovenia Renew

2

Latvia Renew

For (1)

1

Estonia Renew

3

Ireland Renew

2

Luxembourg Renew

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
64

Poland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Spain Verts/ALE

3

Italy Verts/ALE

3

Romania Verts/ALE

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

3

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Portugal Verts/ALE

1

Sweden Verts/ALE

3

Lithuania Verts/ALE

2

Czechia Verts/ALE

3

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

3

Ireland Verts/ALE

2

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
61

Romania ECR

1

Bulgaria ECR

2

Sweden ECR

2

Lithuania ECR

1

Slovakia ECR

Against (1)

1

Greece ECR

1

Croatia ECR

1

Finland ECR

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1
icon: NI NI
38

Germany NI

For (1)

3
4

Netherlands NI

Against (1)

1

Belgium NI

For (1)

1

Lithuania NI

1

Slovakia NI

2

Croatia NI

Abstain (1)

2

Latvia NI

Against (1)

1
icon: ID ID
47
3

Czechia ID

Against (2)

2

Denmark ID

For (1)

1
icon: The Left The Left
35

Germany The Left

Abstain (1)

5

Belgium The Left

Against (1)

1

Portugal The Left

4

Sweden The Left

Against (1)

1

Czechia The Left

Against (1)

1

Denmark The Left

Against (1)

1

Finland The Left

Against (1)

1

Ireland The Left

4

Cyprus The Left

2

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

events/8
date
2023-11-17T00:00:00
type
Final act published in Official Journal
docs
procedure/final
title
Decision 2023/2593
url
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32023D2593
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Procedure completed, awaiting publication in Official Journal
New
Procedure completed
events/5
date
2023-06-14T00:00:00
type
Results of vote in Parliament
body
EP
docs
url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=60060&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
events/6
date
2023-07-12T00:00:00
type
Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
body
EP/CSL
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting final decision
New
Procedure completed, awaiting publication in Official Journal
docs/5
date
2023-06-14T00:00:00
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2023-0235_EN.html title: T9-0235/2023
type
Text adopted by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
body
EP
events/5/summary
  • The European Parliament adopted by 526 votes to 37, with 52 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).
  • Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Protocol.
  • The objective of the Protocol is to enable the European Union and Mauritius to work more closely together in promoting cooperation in the field of ocean economy, aquaculture, sustainable development of the oceans, maritime spatial planning, marine energy and the marine environment, maritime policy development and the blue economy, while contributing to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.
  • The EU-Mauritius FPA allows the EU fleet to fish for tuna and tuna-like species in Mauritian waters, with annual fishing possibilities of 5 500 tonnes for 40 purse seiners, 45 surface longliners and a number of authorised EU auxiliary vessels, as established by the relevant resolutions of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
  • This agreement is important for the EU tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean and strengthens relations between the EU and Mauritius.
  • The new protocol provides for a total financial contribution of EUR 2 900 000, i.e. EUR 275 000 per year for access to Mauritian waters, EUR 275 000 per year for support for Mauritius' sectoral fisheries policy and its implementation, and EUR 175 000 per year to support the implementation of the maritime policy and the development of the blue economy. In addition, a financial contribution will be paid by shipowners in accordance with the provisions of the Annex.
docs/5
date
2023-05-25T00:00:00
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2023-0196_EN.html title: A9-0196/2023
type
Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
body
EP
events/4/summary
  • The Committee on Fisheries adopted the report by François-Xavier BELLAMY (EPP, FR) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).
  • The committee responsible recommended that the European Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the protocol.
  • The Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) signed by the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius on 21 December 2013 expired on 7 December 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, both parties have agreed to extend it for a further six months in July 2022, while a new protocol is negotiated.
  • The EU-Mauritius FPA allows the EU fleet to fish for tuna and tuna-like species in Mauritian waters, with annual fishing possibilities of 5 500 tonnes for 40 purse seiners, 45 surface longliners and a number of authorised EU auxiliary vessels, as established by the relevant resolutions of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). This agreement is important for the EU tuna fleet in the Indian Ocean and strengthens relations between the EU and Mauritius.
  • The new protocol provides for a total financial contribution of EUR 2 900 000, i.e. EUR 275 000 per year for access to Mauritian waters, EUR 275 000 per year for support for Mauritius' sectoral fisheries policy and its implementation, and EUR 175 000 per year to support the implementation of the maritime policy and the development of the blue economy. In addition, a financial contribution will be paid by shipowners in accordance with the provisions of the Annex.
  • The agreement also enables the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius to continue working more closely together on promoting sound exploitation of fishery resources in Mauritius waters and to support Mauritius to develop its fisheries sector, in the interests of both parties. It also facilitates the continuous cooperation with Mauritius as a strategic partner for alliance building and EU positioning in the region and in particular at the IOTC.
docs/6
date
2023-06-14T00:00:00
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2023-0235_EN.html title: T9-0235/2023
type
Text adopted by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
body
EP
events/5
date
2023-06-14T00:00:00
type
Decision by Parliament
body
EP
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-9-2023-0235_EN.html title: T9-0235/2023
forecasts
  • date: 2023-06-13T00:00:00 title: Vote scheduled
procedure/stage_reached
Old
Awaiting Parliament's vote
New
Awaiting final decision
forecasts/0
date
2023-06-13T00:00:00
title
Vote scheduled
forecasts/0
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Vote in plenary scheduled
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2023-06-12T00:00:00
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docs/5
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2023-05-25T00:00:00
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url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2023-0196_EN.html title: A9-0196/2023
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events/4/docs
  • url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2023-0196_EN.html title: A9-0196/2023
events/4
date
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events/3
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type
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forecasts/0
date
2023-05-24T00:00:00
title
Vote scheduled in committee
procedure/Other legal basis
Rules of Procedure EP 159
docs/4
date
2023-04-26T00:00:00
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/DEVE-AD-746716_EN.html title: PE746.716
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DEVE
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BUDG
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  • name: BIJOUX Stéphane date: 2023-03-30T00:00:00 group: Renew Europe group abbr: Renew
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committees/0/shadows/3
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HAZEKAMP Anja
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abbr
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forecasts/1
date
2023-05-31T00:00:00
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Indicative plenary sitting date
docs/2
date
2023-03-09T00:00:00
docs
url: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/PECH-PR-745278_EN.html title: PE745.278
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  • date: 2023-04-26T00:00:00 title: Vote scheduled in committee
committees/0
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committees/0
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name: BELLAMY François-Xavier date: 2023-02-02T00:00:00 group: Group of European People's Party abbr: EPP
shadows
name: STANCANELLI Raffaele group: European Conservatives and Reformists Group abbr: ECR
committees/0
type
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body
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name: BELLAMY François-Xavier date: 2023-02-02T00:00:00 group: Group of European People's Party abbr: EPP
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committees/0
type
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events/2
date
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type
Committee referral announced in Parliament
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procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
  • PECH/9/10112
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Old
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docs/2
date
2022-12-22T00:00:00
docs
title: 12787/2022
type
Legislative proposal
body
CSL
events/1/summary
  • PURPOSE: to conclude the Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).
  • PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.
  • ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.
  • BACKGROUND: the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius was concluded by Council Decision 2014/146/EU and entered into force on 28 January 2014.
  • The Protocol for the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026) was signed subject to its conclusion at a later date.
  • CONTENT: the purpose of this draft Council is to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Protocol for the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).
  • The objective of the Protocol is to enable the European Union and Mauritius to work more closely together in promoting cooperation in the field of ocean economy, aquaculture, sustainable development of the oceans, maritime spatial planning, marine energy and the marine environment, maritime policy development and the blue economy, while contributing to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.
  • Fishing opportunities
  • The fishing opportunities granted under Article 5 of the Agreement for highly migratory species (as listed in Annex 1 to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) are as follows:
  • - 40 purse seine vessels; and
  • - 45 surface longliners.
  • Mauritius will authorise EU supply vessels to assist in the operations of Union vessels authorised in Mauritius waters within the limits and terms of applicable IOTC resolutions on supply vessels.
  • Financial contribution
  • The total financial contribution is fixed at EUR 2 900 000.
  • This total financial contribution will comprise:
  • - an annual amount of EUR 275 000 equivalent to a reference tonnage of 5 500 tonnes per year for access to Mauritian waters
  • - a specific amount of EUR 275 000 per year for the support and implementation of the sectoral fisheries policy of Mauritius; and
  • - an additional amount of EUR 175 000 to support the development of the maritime policy and the development of the blue economy.
  • The Commission is empowered to approve, on behalf of the Union, amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee set up under Article 9 of the Agreement. The Commission will ensure that the approval on behalf of the Union:
  • - is in accordance with the objectives of the common fisheries policy;
  • - is consistent with the relevant rules adopted by regional fisheries management organisations and takes account of joint management by coastal States;
  • - takes account of the latest statistical, biological and other relevant information sent to the Commission.
  • The procedure for the approval of amendments to the Protocol to be adopted by the Joint Committee is described in the Annex to the draft Council Decision.
docs/2
date
2022-12-22T00:00:00
docs
title: 12787/2022
type
Legislative proposal
body
CSL
events/1
date
2022-12-22T00:00:00
type
Legislative proposal published
body
EC
docs
title: 12787/2022
committees/1/rapporteur
  • name: GUERREIRO Francisco date: 2022-11-16T00:00:00 group: Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance abbr: Verts/ALE
commission
  • body: EC dg: Maritime Affairs and Fisheries commissioner: SINKEVIČIUS Virginijus
docs/2
date
2022-09-16T00:00:00
docs
type
Preparatory document
body
EC
events/0/summary
  • PURPOSE: to conclude a Protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).
  • PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.
  • ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.
  • BACKGROUND: the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Mauritius was signed on 21 December 2012 and entered into force on 28 January 2014 for a period of 6 years. The latest protocol implementing the Fisheries Partnership Agreement covered a period of 4 years from the date of its provisional application, i.e. its signature. It was signed on 8 December 2017 and expired on 7 December 2021.
  • The Commission has conducted negotiations with Mauritius on the conclusion of a new Protocol to the EU-Mauritius Fisheries Partnership Agreement. As a result of these negotiations, a new protocol was initialled on 7 May 2022. The new protocol covers a period of 4 years from the date of provisional application of the protocol, i.e. the date of its signature by both parties.
  • The 2017-2021 Protocol was considered relevant to the needs of EU stakeholders as it provided EU ship owners with predictable access to a productive fishing area where targeted species are abundant.
  • CONTENT: the purpose of this proposal is to authorise the conclusion of the Protocol for the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius (2022-2026).
  • The objective of the Protocol is to enable the European Union and Mauritius to work more closely together in promoting cooperation in the field of ocean economy, aquaculture, sustainable development of the oceans, maritime spatial planning, marine energy and the marine environment, maritime policy development and the blue economy, while contributing to decent working conditions in the fisheries sector.
  • Fishing opportunities
  • The new Protocol provides fishing opportunities for EU vessels in Mauritian waters. This is based on the best available scientific advice and the recommendations made by the regional fisheries organisation that manages highly migratory fish stocks, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, where applicable within the limits of the available surplus.
  • The Protocol provides for the following fishing opportunities: (a) 40 tuna seiners; (b) 45 surface longliners.
  • Financial contribution
  • The annual financial contribution will be EUR 725 000 , based on:
  • (a) a reference tonnage of 5 500 tonnes, for which an annual amount linked to access has been set at EUR 275 000;
  • (b) support for the development of Mauritius' sectoral fisheries policy, amounting to EUR 275 000 per year; and
  • (c) support for the development of the maritime policy and the blue economy, amounting to EUR 175 000 per year.
  • On sectoral support, the evaluation noted that the programme had been implemented with delays and that a future sectoral support programme should aim as a matter of priority to strengthen Mauritius’ capacity to comply with its international obligations, in particular those related to scientific observations, catch sampling and port inspections. A future sectoral support programme could also help develop the national fishing sector through support to small-scale fishers and the development of a semi-industrial segment.