European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella said: "I am very pleased that the European Parliament has voted to give its consent to the new fisheries protocols between the EU and Madagascar, Cape Verde and Guinea Bissau.
"In line with the principles of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), these protocols contribute to the responsible fishing and sustainable management of fisheries resources. The protocols further consolidate the network of agreements for the fishing of tuna in the Indian Ocean and in the waters of West Africa. In the case of Guinea-Bissau, EU vessels will also be allowed to fish other species such as shrimps, fin-fish and cephalopods.
"Our partner countries will benefit not only in terms of receiving financial contribution for access of EU vessels to their fisheries resources, but they will also receive funding to support the development of their fisheries sectors, in particular the artisanal fisheries and the reinforcement of their fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance capacities. The proper implementation of this sectoral support by the EU to the partner countries is a key priority and will be monitored closely by the Commission."
