The European Commission has initialled a Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) between the European Union and Mozambique. The period of the agreement is five years and began on 1 January.
The FPA gives fishing opportunities on tuna and related species in Mozambique waters in return for €900,000 annually which will be used to support the implementation of the Mozambican fisheries policy.
The quota for tuna and related species has been increased from 8,000 tonnes to 10,000 and the fishing possibilities are for 44 purse-seiners and 45 long-liners. Opportunities on deep water shrimps have been eliminated.
An additional payment of at least 300,000 is expected in license fees from ship owners. The contribution from vessels owners has been increased from €25 to €35.
The annual €900,000 will be used entirely for the promotion of sustainable and responsible fishing in Mozambique waters.
The FPA also foresees a Joint Committee being established. The Committee will agree a multi-annual programme for fisheries and will monitor its implementation. The first meeting should be held in the first half of 2007 to discuss the elaboration and implementation of this programme.
