Call for evidence: EU–São Tomé and Príncipe Fisheries Partnership Agreement
Published by AGRINFO on
EU–São Tomé e Príncipe Fisheries Agreement: new Protocol
EU-São Tomé e Príncipe Fisheries Agreement – negotiation mandate for a new protocol
Update
This call for evidence regards evaluation of the Protocol implementing the EU Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) with São Tomé and Príncipe. The current Protocol expires in December 2024.
Impacted Products
Tuna
What is changing?
A new Protocol needs to be in place as soon as possible after the current one expires on 19 December 2024 for the EU fleet to continue to fish in São Tomé and Príncipe’s waters.
Why?
The EU fleet cannot fish in São Tomé and Príncipe’s waters if there is no sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA) between the two parties. This call for evidence helps ensure that the evaluation and future negotiations on a possible renewal of the Protocol with São Tomé and Príncipe consider the views of stakeholders.
Timeline
Feedback on this call for evidence can be provided until 5 February 2024 at Have your say - About this initiative.
What are the major implications for exporting countries?
A new protocol would benefit São Tomé and Príncipe’s population by providing economic revenue and employment opportunities through the presence and possible landings of the EU fleet. It would also help set up businesses, vocational training, and programmes aimed at developing and modernising the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in a sustainable way.
Recommended Actions
The fisheries authorities, fishing industry (fishing and processing), and civil society in São Tomé and Príncipe are encouraged to respond to this call for evidence at Have your say - About this initiative before 5 February 2024.
Background
The FPA between the EU and São Tomé and Príncipe was concluded in October 2007. The current Protocol allows for a maximum of 34 vessels, flying the flags of Spain, France, and Portugal, to operate year-round in São Tomé and Príncipe’s waters. Over the course of the Protocol, the EU has made an estimated total financial contribution of €4.2 million.
Regulation 1380/2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy sets out how SFPAs must be evaluated. The evaluation will form the basis for concluding a new implementing protocol.
Sustainable fisheries partnership agreements ensure consistency between the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy and other European policies, including sustainable use of partner country resources; combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; integration of partner countries into the global economy; and better political and financial governance of fisheries.
Resources
Regulation 894/2007 on the conclusion of a Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe and the European Community
Regulation 1380/2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy
Sources