A deal approved by the EU Parliament will enable 56 EU vessels will be able to fish tuna and related species during the next five years in Cabo Verde’s waters, under an updated fisheries deal.
These are vessels from Spain, Portugal and France. 24 freezer tuna seiners, 10 pole-and-line tuna vessels, and 22 surface longliners will be licensed to fish up to 7000 tonnes of tuna and related species each year until 2029.
In exchange, the EU will make a financial contribution of €780,000 per year, €350 000 for access rights to the waters of Cabo Verde and €430,000 to support Cabo Verde’s fisheries policy and blue economy sector. In addition, fishing fees paid by vessel owners may add up to almost €600,000 per year.
‘This agreement combines remuneration for fishing opportunities with support for the sustainable development of Cabo Verde’s fishing sector, with control and efforts to fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing,’ said rapporteur Paulo do Nascimento Cabral.
‘It will also promote decent working conditions and strengthen scientific capabilities in Cabo Verde. It is a good agreement that protects fishermen from both sides as well as the sustainability of our oceans.’
The deal aims to enhance cooperation between the EU and Cabo Verde to help the country develop a sustainable fisheries policy and promote socioeconomic development. It is a contribution to wider efforts around fisheries control and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU), as it includes rules to improve vessel monitoring, the management of fishing authorisations, and management measures for shark stocks.
MEPs gave their consent to the new protocol with 507 votes in favour, 76 against and 16 abstentions.
