The European Commission, on behalf of the EU, has initialled a new Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Solomon Islands. This agreement replaces the current one between the two Parties, which entered into force in October 2006.
The new agreement covers a period of three years and provides fishing possibilities exclusively for tuna for EU vessels fishing in the waters of the Solomon Islands.
The number of licences for tuna seiner vessels remains the same (four licences). No fishing possibilities for longliners have been negotiated. However, the new protocol includes a clause which allows for the possibility to introduce new fishing possibilities, including for longliners, should the need arise.
The annual reference tonnage is 4,000 tonnes of tuna species. Fifty per cent of the EU's annual financial contribution of €400,000 has been earmarked for support to the Solomon Islands to enhance responsible and sustainable fishing in their waters.
EU vessels interested in operating under this Agreement come from Spain and France. The agreement is in line with scientific advice regarding the state of the tuna stocks in the waters of Solomon Islands and provides for a number of control provisions which ensures sustainable fisheries under this agreement.
EU, Solomon Islands Make New Fisheries Agreement
GLOBAL - A new tuna fisheries partnership has been agreed between the European Union and the Solomon Islands.
