Europêche, the organisation representing European Union fishermen, has welcomed a move by the European Parliament (EP) to conclude the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Morocco.
The organisation believes the agreement will promote sustainable and responsible fisheries for both the EU and Morocco whilst cementing international law but cautions that a last and critical step is still required – the final approval of the EP in plenary session in February 2019.
The Committee on Fisheries followed the conclusion of the European Commission and Council that the geographical scope of the agreement can be extended to the territory of Western Sahara. This is particularly important because around 90% of the catch volume by the EU fleet is taken in adjacent waters.
Javier Garat, president of Europêche, said that the agreement will benefit local communities in Western Sahara. “This agreement will continue contributing to improve the sustainable management of fish resources in these rich fishing grounds and is crucial for the activity of up to 128 vessels from 10 EU countries, 700 fisherman and 3,500 workers ashore.”
“We are committed to continue creating wealth and employment in the area. We therefore urge the parliament’s plenary to be coherent and consistent in their decisions and largely support the fisheries agreement.”
