The number of licences for tuna seiner vessels remains the same (4 licences). No fishing possibilities for longliners have been negotiated. However, the new protocol includes a clause which allows for the possibility to introduce new fishing possibilities, including for longliners, should the need arise. The annual reference tonnage is 4,000 tonnes of tuna species. 50% of the EU’s annual financial contribution of € 400,000 has been earmarked for support to the Solomon Islands to enhance responsible and sustainable fishing in their waters. EU vessels interested in operating under this Agreement come from Spain and France.
The Agreement is in line with scientific advice regarding the state of the tuna stocks in the waters of Solomon Islands and provides for a number of control provisions which ensures sustainable fisheries under this Agreement.
