The Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the EU and Mauritania has made another step forward after a Joint Committee, held at the initiative of the EU, took place in Nouakchott, Mauritania.
Parties reviewed the implementation of EU support for the Mauritanian fisheries sector, introduced new fishing opportunities for EU trawlers, as well as discussed the MACAPEL investment project.
It acknowledged the progress made in implementing the sectoral support funds and agreed to earmark €6m to support infrastructure works in the artisanal fishing port of Tanit.
The introduction of new fishing opportunities for up to sex EU demersal freezer trawlers targeting black hake was agreed by the parties. This followed scientific advice confirming the existence of a surplus and in accordance with the general principles of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.
In exchange, the EU is set to pay €2.5m on top of the €55m already included in the Protocol.
Mauritania confirmed its interest in the MACAPEL project, a Mauritanian-Canary Island investment project aimed at transferring know-how and developing landing and processing infrastructure in the port of Nouadhibou.
The Parties agreed to continue discussions on the project and to decide on further steps depending on progress made regarding funding of the project.
