The Implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024-2029)
This resolution approves a new protocol for the EU's fisheries partnership agreement with Guinea-Bissau, running from 2024 to 2029. The aim is to improve fisheries cooperation, ensure sustainable fishing, and support the development of Guinea-Bissau's fisheries sector. The agreement affects EU fishing fleets seeking access to Guinea-Bissau's waters and the local communities in Guinea-Bissau. It aims to ensure that EU fishing activities benefit both parties, with increased financial contributions from the EU to Guinea-Bissau. Key changes include an increase in the EU's annual financial contribution and a shift from measuring fishing effort to setting catch limits. The protocol also introduces new social provisions for seafarers and references sustainable small-scale fisheries guidelines. The agreement aims to boost local processing and food security by encouraging more fish to be landed in Guinea-Bissau. It also seeks to improve transparency in the sector and combat illegal fishing activities.
Analysis
The EU-Guinea-Bissau sustainable fisheries partnership agreement aims to enhance fisheries cooperation, promote sustainable exploitation of resources, and develop Guinea-Bissau's fisheries sector and blue economy.
What changes
- The EU's financial contribution for access to fishery resources increased from EUR 11.6 million to EUR 12.5 million annually.
- EU support for Guinea-Bissau’s sectoral fisheries policy increased from EUR 4 million to EUR 4.5 million annually.
- Fishing opportunities will transition from a fishing effort basis (GRT) to a catch limit basis (tonnes - TAC).
Expected impact
- Financial compensation under the SFPA will make a significant contribution to Guinea-Bissau's public finances, given the low contribution of fisheries to its GDP.
- The transition to a catch limit basis (TAC) for fishing opportunities necessitates the implementation of an electronic catch reporting and data processing system.
- Increased production of fishmeal, often from small pelagic species, is identified as a main factor contributing to overexploitation, impacting local food security.
Limitations
- The document is a resolution and does not contain the full text of the Protocol itself, limiting the analysis of specific operational details.
- Specific financial allocations for individual projects within the sectoral support are not detailed.
- The exact scientific assessments underpinning the TACs are not provided in this resolution.
Shadow Rapporteurs
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