European vessels leave Mauritanian waters after fishing deal expires
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Le Calame
The protocol allowing European vessels to fish in Mauritanian waters expired on 14 November without being renewed, forcing EU boats to leave the area after 29 years of activity. Europêche director Daniel Fox de Onaindi blames the European Commission for the failure and criticises its handling of the negotiations, according to Europa news agency, cited by Le Calame.
European vessels must leave Mauritanian waters following the expiry on Saturday of the fishing protocol between Mauritania and the European Union, bringing 29 years of European activity in the area to an end. Daniel Fox de Onaindi, director general of Europêche, attributed the situation to the European Commission, according to Belgian news agency Europa, cited by Le Calame.
Negotiations remain deadlocked over the amount of financial compensation paid by Brussels for access to Mauritania’s fishery resources. Nouakchott is demanding higher revenues, while the European Commission links its contribution to the volume of fishing opportunities granted.
Europêche and the European Transport Workers' Federation had called for a one-year extension of the protocol. They warned of the economic and social consequences for fishing, processing and marketing, as well as the risk of other fleets occupying the areas left vacant.
The European Commission recently submitted a revised financial offer to Mauritania following discussions between Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries, and Mauritania’s Minister of Fisheries. The announcement comes as no final agreement has been reached between Brussels and Nouakchott.
