The European Union and the Seychelles discussed, on 15-17 April 2013, the renewal of the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, which is set to expire in January 2014.
This fisheries agreement allows EU vessels mainly from Spain, Portugal, France and Italy to fish in the Seychelles waters and is part of the tuna network fisheries agreements in the Indian Ocean.
Earlier in March, both sides agreed on the need for continuity of the current Protocol so that fishing activities could continue in the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone without interruption. The second round of discussions, which took place recently, focused on issues such as fishing opportunities and financial compensation.
According to the EU, negotiations were conducted in an open and constructive atmosphere which enabled progress to be made towards the finalization of the new Protocol.