European fishing vessels operating in Mauritanian territorial waters have started to leave the area as the protocol agreement between Mauritania and the European Union is set to expire. The agreement, which allows EU fishing vessels to access Mauritanian waters and exploit its marine resources, will end at midnight on Saturday. According to reports, around 30 Spanish vessels have already begun departing, with more expected to follow as the agreement's expiration date approaches.
The Mauritanian coast guard issued a notice on Saturday informing EU fishing vessel agents that the agreement would end at midnight, and instructed them to cease fishing activities and head to the port of Nouadhibou. The coast guard warned that any vessels failing to comply would face penalties under the law. The current agreement, signed on November 15, 2021, permits EU vessels to catch up to 280,000 tons of various fish species, including tuna, shrimp, and squid.
The Spanish government is pressuring the European Commission to intensify efforts to reach a new agreement, with a deadline of midnight on Saturday. However, with negotiations stalled, it appears unlikely that a new deal will be reached in time. The main point of contention is the financial compensation that the EU pays to Mauritania for access to its waters, with Mauritania seeking higher payments and the EU pushing for a lower offer.
The Spanish newspaper "El Pais" reported that the National Association of Frozen Crustacean Shipowners (Anamar) estimates that Spanish shipowners will lose around 50 million euros if a new agreement is not reached. The association's spokesperson stated that they plan for vessels to depart on Saturday to make the most of the remaining time. The Andalusian regional government has offered its support to accelerate negotiations, citing the significant economic impact that the expiration of the protocol will have on the region.
The Andalusian government warned that the expiration of the protocol will have a substantial economic impact, particularly on ports in the region, including Algeciras, Cadiz, Huelva, and Seville. The region's fishing industry generates around 500 direct and indirect jobs. Galicia's regional government has also joined the call for a guarantee of continuity for its 10 vessels operating in Mauritanian waters.
The European Commission has warned EU member states that they will no longer be allowed to fish in Mauritanian waters after midnight on Saturday. The Commission has received a petition from EU fishing ministers, urging them to accelerate negotiations with Mauritania. Shipowners are seeking a one-year extension, similar to the one granted in 2020.
The negotiations between Mauritania and the EU have stalled over the past six months, with four rounds of talks failing to produce an agreement. The main point of contention remains the financial compensation for access to Mauritanian waters, with the EU pushing for a lower offer due to reduced fishing opportunities.
Key points
- European fishing vessels are leaving Mauritanian waters as the protocol agreement nears its end.
- Negotiations for an extension or new deal are stalled due to disagreements over financial compensation.
- The expiration of the protocol may have significant economic impacts on EU member states, particularly in regions reliant on the fishing industry.
