Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2020)1 - Allocation of the fishing opportunities under the Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable fisheries agreement with Seychelles - Main contents
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| dossier | COM(2020)1 - Allocation of the fishing opportunities under the Protocol on the implementation of the Sustainable fisheries agreement with ... |
|---|---|
| source | COM(2020)1  |
| date | 07-01-2020 |
1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL
• Reasons for and objectives of the proposal
On the basis of the relevant negotiating directives 1 , the Commission conducted negotiations with the Government of the Republic of Seychelles (hereinafter “Seychelles”) with a view to concluding, on behalf of the European Union, a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and its Implementing Protocol. At the end of the negotiations, an Agreement and Protocol (2020-2026) were initialled by the negotiators on 22 October 2019. The new Agreement repeals and replaces the existing Agreement; it covers a period of six years from the date of its provisional application laid down in Article 15, that being the date on which it is signed by the parties, and is renewable by tacit agreement. The new Protocol covers a period of six years from the date of provisional application laid down in Article 15, that being the date on which it is signed by both parties.
The new Protocol provides for fishing opportunities in the following categories:
- 40 tuna purse seine vessels;
- 8 surface longliners;
- support vessels in accordance with the relevant IOTC resolutions.
The method for allocating the fishing opportunities among the Member States should be established.
• Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area
The main aim of the new Agreement is to provide an updated framework taking into account the priorities of the reformed Common Fisheries Policy 2 and its external dimension, with a view to continuing and reiforcing the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Republic of the Seychelles in the field of fisheries.
The aim of the Protocol is to grant fishing opportunities to European Union vessels in the Seychelles fishing zone in accordance with the best available scientific advice and the resolutions and recommendations of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), within the limits of the available surplus. The Commission based its position in part on the results of an evaluation of the previous Agreement and Protocol (2014-2020), and of a forward-looking assessment of whether a new Agreement and Protocol should be concluded. Both were carried out by external experts. The aim is also to enhance cooperation between the European Union and the Republic of the Seychelles to promote a sustainable fisheries policy and sound exploitation of fisheries resources in the Seychelles fishing zone and in the Indian Ocean, in the interest of both parties. In addition, this cooperation will also contribute to promote decent working conditions in fisheries activities
• Consistency with other Union policies
The negotiation of a new Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Seychelles forms part of the Union’s external action in relation to African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and takes into account, in particular, Union objectives on respecting democratic principles and human rights.
2. LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY
• Legal basis
The legal basis is Article 43(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which establishes that the Council, on a proposal from the Commission, shall adopt measures on the allocation of fishing opportunities.
• Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence)
The proposal falls under the exclusive competence of the European Union.
3. RESULTS OF EX-POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS
• Ex-post evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation
Stakeholders were consulted during the ex post and ex ante evaluations on a possible new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and Implementing Protocol between the Union and Seychelles. Experts from the Member States and industry were also consulted in technical meetings. These consultations led to the conclusion that it would be beneficial for the Union and Seychelles to conclude a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and Implementing Protocol.
• Stakeholder consultations
Member States, industry representatives, international civil society organisations, as well as Seychelles fisheries administration and civil society, were consulted as part of the evaluation. Consultations have also taken place in the framework of the Long Distance Advisory Council, notably at the occasion of its meeting on 27 March 2019.
• Collection and use of expertise
The Commission used an independent consultant for the ex post and ex ante evaluations, in accordance with the provisions of Article 31(10) of the Regulation establishing the common fisheries policy.
4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS
The draft Regulation does not affect the Union budget.
5. OTHER ELEMENTS
• Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements
This procedure is being initiated in parallel with the procedures relating to the Council Decision on the signing, on behalf of the Union, and the provisional application of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and its Implementing Protocol between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles, and to the Council Decision on their conclusion. This Regulation shall apply once fishing activities become possible under the Agreement, i.e. on the date of provisional application of the Protocol.