The European Union Agreement with Mozambique will be especially benefit the Spanish tuna fleet. Although members states would prefer the agreement to be applicable as of next year, it is still to be approved by the Mozambique and European Parliaments and will therefore take effect as of January 1st 2004.
The fishing potential has not yet been established for all interested EU members, however the Spanish fleet will count on possibilities of fishing in the three modalities anticipated in the Agreement.
* Max 10 Deep-sea shrimp
* 35 Freezer Seiners
* 14 Surface Longliners
These could operate in Mozambique's waters in return for an annual payment of EUR 4.09 million.
During the last few years, Spanish tuna boat owners have had to close high-cost contracts with Mozambique Authorities for its activities in the area of the Mozambique Channel. This new agreement will therefore benefit the tuna vessels and longliners, because it facilitates their activities in this zone. The Agreement also supposes the renewal of fishery relations between the European Union and Mozambique.
This is the first agreement with Mozambique since 1993.