On the draft Council decision on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles on access for Seychelles fishing vessels to the waters of Mayotte
A-9-2024-0043
Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Gabriel Mato
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Parliament's consent resolution approves the conclusion of the EU–Seychelles Fisheries Access Agreement on access for Seychelles fishing vessels to the waters of Mayotte.¶¶ The agreement sets rules for responsible fishing and conservation in Mayotte's waters, based on non-discrimination between fleets.¶ Eight Seychelles-flagged purse seiners may fish beyond 24 nautical miles from Mayotte's coasts, with fees of 135 euros per tonne of tuna caught.¶ The rapporteur calls for EU support or State Aid to renew and develop fishing fleets in Mayotte and other outermost regions.¶¶
Committee position. The rapporteur recommends that Parliament approve the conclusion of the Fisheries Access Agreement, while reiterating the call for EU support or State Aid for the renewal and sustainable development of fishing fleets in Mayotte and other outermost regions.¶
Key points
- Parliament gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement.¶
- The agreement establishes principles, rules and procedures for cooperation in the fisheries sector to ensure responsible fishing and sustainable exploitation of resources around Mayotte, based on non-discrimination between fleets.¶
- Eight Seychelles-flagged purse seiners may fish in Mayotte's waters beyond 24 nautical miles from its coasts.¶
- Fishing opportunities are based on the best available scientific advice and in line with Indian Ocean Tuna Commission recommendations.
- Fees for catches are set at 135 euros per tonne of tuna caught, with an advanced payment by vessel of 13500 euros for the first 100 tonnes.
- The agreement provides for monitoring and control of fisheries and for preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.¶
- The rapporteur states the agreement is strategic, delivering coherence and reciprocity between the EU and Seychelles for sustainable exploitation of marine resources in the Indian Ocean.¶
- The parties wish to reinforce monitoring of fishing activities and ensure sustainable fishing of tuna and tuna-like species, while protecting other species, notably pelagic sharks.
- The rapporteur considers the agreement balanced: Seychelles' vessels continue fishing, while Mayotte benefits and its local fishing sector develops.¶
- The rapporteur believes Mayotte and outermost regions should in the long term develop their own fishing fleets through EU and national support.¶
- The rapporteur reiterates the call for support through the EMFAF or State Aid, on the basis of Article 349 TFEU, for renewal of outermost regions' artisanal fishing fleets that land all catches in their ports.
- The rapporteur notes outermost regions face specific challenges and that their fisheries characteristics are insufficiently taken into account in the Common Fisheries Policy.¶
Who is affected
Figures and deadlines
- Eight Seychelles-flagged purse seiners may fish in Mayotte's waters.¶
- Fishing allowed beyond 24 nautical miles from Mayotte's coasts.
- Fees of 135 euros per tonne of tuna caught.
- Advanced payment by vessel of 13500 euros for the first 100 tonnes.
Legal basis: Articles 43 and Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v), and Article 218(7), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.¶