Source: Europa Press
The Ministry for the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM) of Spain applauded the renewal of the three Protocols of Fisheries signed between the European Union (EU) and the Comoros, Seychelles and Sao Tome and Principe, enabling the Spanish fleet to continue fishing within the waters of the three countries.
According to MARM, headed by Elena Espinosa, stated that “the renewal of the protocols promoted by the Spanish Presidency over the past three months, which is valid for the next three years, is especially important for tuna purse seiner fleets, both in the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic, due to the geographical location of the three countries.â€
The agreement with Comoros will come into effect January 1st, 2011 and will extend 70 licenses, allowing 45 tuna freezer seiners and 25 longline vessels to fish in their waters.
Furthermore, the new agreement signed with the Seychelles will commence January 17th 2011, when the current agreement has elapsed. This protocol will allow the operation of 60 Community ships: 48 tuna seiners and 12 tuna longliners
In addition, the tuna fishing agreement with Sao Tome and Principe is foreseen to come into effect at the end of this year and will benefit 40 vessels; 28 tuna freezer seiners and 12 longliners.