Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2010)587 - 21st annual report on implementation of the structural funds (2009) sec(2010) 1230

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dossier COM(2010)587 - 21st annual report on implementation of the structural funds (2009) sec(2010) 1230.
source COM(2010)587 EN
date 21-10-2010
Based on a mandate from the Council i, the European Commission has negotiated with the Union of the Comoros to renew the Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Union of the Comoros, dated 6 October 2006. On conclusion of these negotiations, a new Protocol was initialled on 21 May 2010 and amended by an exchange of letters on 16 September 2010. It covers a period of three years from the time of the adoption of the Council decision on the signing and on the provisional application of the said Protocol and after expiry of the current Protocol on 31 December 2010.

This procedure is initiated in parallel with the procedures relating to the Council Decision on the signing on behalf of the Union and on the provisional application of the Protocol itself, as well as to the Council Regulation concerning the allocation of fishing opportunities between the Member States of the EU.

The Commission’s negotiating position was based in part on the results of an ex-post evaluation carried out by external experts.

The main objective of the Protocol is to define the fishing opportunities offered to vessels of the European Union based on the surplus available as well as the financial contribution due, separately, for access rights and for sectoral support.

The objective is to continue the cooperation between the European Union and the Union of the Comoros, thereby creating a partnership framework within which to develop a sustainable fisheries policy and sound exploitation of fisheries resources in the Comorian fishing zone, in the interests of both Parties.

The new Protocol is in keeping with the two Parties' concern to strengthen partnership and cooperation in the fisheries sector using all the financial instruments available. To this end, it is recalled that there is a need to create a framework which is favourable to the development of investment in this sector and optimising the production of small-scale fisheries.

The overall annual contribution of the Protocol of EUR 1 845 750 over the whole period is based on: a) an annual reference tonnage fixed at 4 850 tonnes for 70 vessels corresponding to EUR 315 250 per year, and b) support for the development of the sectoral fisheries policy of the Union of the Comoros amounting to EUR 300 000 per year. This support meets the objectives of the national fisheries policy.

With regard to the fishing opportunities, 45 tuna seiners and 25 surface longliners will be authorised to fish. Nevertheless, with regard to the annual assessments of the state of stocks, these fishing opportunities could be revised up or down which would lead to a corresponding review of the financial contribution.

The Commission proposes, on this basis, that the Council, with the consent of the Parliament, adopt this new Protocol by Decision.