The European Union and the Cook Islands have signed a new seven-year protocol to the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (2025-2032).
This renewed protocol will grant the European Union fleet operating in the Pacific Ocean access to some of the richest and healthiest tuna stocks worldwide, for a total of 40 fishing days per year. In return, the EU financial support will continue to foster the sustainable development of the fisheries sector and blue economy in Cook Islands.
The EU contribution over seven years will amount to €3.22 million. €295,000 will be dedicated every year specifically to support Cook Islands sustainable fisheries management, control and surveillance capacities, and blue economy development. In addition to EU funding, EU shipowners will pay €90,000 for the authorisation giving them the right to fish for ten fishing days in the country’s waters.
Both parties being active actors within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the protocol strikes a fair balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability, ensuring significant fishing opportunities for the EU fleet while respecting the ecosystem’s needs.
‘Our partnership agreements have gained worldwide recognition as a benchmark for good fisheries governance. The European Union is pleased to continue its fruitful fisheries partnership with Cook Islands over the next seven years,’ said Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis.
‘With the renewal of the fisheries protocol, European Union vessels will be able to continue fishing in one of the healthiest tropical tuna stocks. We are particularly proud to contribute, through our sectoral support, to the development of the Cook Islands fisheries sector and blue economy.’
The new protocol replaces the previous one, which expired in December 2024.
