Press Release: EU concludes fisheries partnership agreement with Guinea Bissau

The European Commission, on behalf of the Union, and the Republic of Guinea Bissau initialled a new Fisheries Partnership Agreement in Brussels on 23 May 2007. This new agreement, along with a new protocol, will cover a renewable period of 4 years. The Commission welcomes this move to a partnership agreement that confirms the commitment of the Union to working with its partners on strengthening sustainable fisheries wherever its fleets operate. The new protocol provides fishing possibilities for shrimps, fish, cephalopods and tuna. While fishing possibilities will remain the same as they are at present for shrimps, fish and cephalopods the number of licences for tuna vessels will be reduced from 70 to 37 licences. Out of the annual financial contribution € 7 million, 35% or € 2,450.000 has entirely been earmarked for projects to help Guinea Bissau establish responsible and sustainable fishing in its waters. In addition, the EU will pay an annual specific contribution of € 500,000 to improve sanitary conditions in the fisheries sector and to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance in the waters of Guinea Bissau.

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