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DRAFT RECOMMENDATION (15048/2022 – C90051/2023 – 2022/0362(NLE))

On the draft Council decision on the conclusion of an Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles on access for Seychelles fishing vessels to the waters of Mayotte

PECH-PR-757013

Committee on Fisheries · Rapporteur: Gabriel Mato

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This is a draft report by the Committee on Fisheries on the draft Council decision to conclude an agreement between the EU and Seychelles on access for Seychelles fishing vessels to the waters of Mayotte. The rapporteur recommends that Parliament give its consent to the agreement, which allows eight Seychelles-flagged purse seiners to fish beyond 24 nautical miles from Mayotte's coasts. The agreement sets fees at 135 euros per tonne of tuna caught, with an advance payment of 13500 euros for the first 100 tonnes, and includes monitoring and control measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The rapporteur also calls for EU support or State Aid for the renewal and sustainable development of 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

  1. Parliament is asked to give its consent to the conclusion of the Fisheries Access Agreement between the EU and Seychelles.
  2. The agreement allows eight Seychelles-flagged purse seiners to fish in Mayotte's waters beyond 24 nautical miles from its coasts.
  3. Fishing opportunities are based on the best available scientific advice and the recommendations of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.
  4. Fees for catches are set at 135 euros per tonne of tuna caught, with an advance payment of 13500 euros for the first 100 tonnes.
  5. The agreement provides for monitoring and control of fisheries and for preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
  6. The rapporteur states the agreement is strategic, balanced, and beneficial to Mayotte and the local fishing sector.
  7. The rapporteur calls for EU and national support, including through the EMFAF or State Aid, for the renewal of artisanal fishing fleets in outermost regions.
  8. The rapporteur notes that outermost regions face specific challenges and that their fisheries characteristics are insufficiently taken into account in the Common Fisheries Policy.
  9. The rapporteur highlights that fisheries in outermost regions are a major economic driver and source of food sovereignty.
  10. The rapporteur recommends that Parliament approve the conclusion of the agreement while reiterating the call for support for outermost regions' fishing fleets.

Who is affected

  • Seychelles-flagged purse seiners, which may fish in Mayotte's waters beyond 24 nautical miles.
  • Mayotte, a French outermost region, whose local fishing sector could benefit from the agreement.
  • The EU and Seychelles, which cooperate on sustainable fishing and monitoring.

Figures and deadlines

  • Eight Seychelles-flagged vessels (purse seiners) allowed to fish.
  • Fishing allowed beyond 24 nautical miles from Mayotte's coasts.
  • Fees: 135 euros per tonne of tuna caught.
  • Advance payment: 13500 euros for the first 100 tonnes.
  • Agreement covers a period of 6 years as from 10 March 2023.

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.