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Exclusive Economic Zone, New Fishing Agreement with the EU

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Exclusive Economic Zone, New Fishing Agreement with the EU

The current Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) between Mauritius and the European Union (EU) is set to expire in December 2026, prompting both parties to begin preparations for a new accord. The second meeting of the joint committee is currently taking place in Port-Louis, providing an essential platform for emphasizing the significance of the blue economy as a pillar of Mauritius’ economic framework.

During the opening session of the meeting, EU Ambassador Oskar Benedikt and Mauritius’ Minister of Agro-Industry and Fisheries, Fabrice David, highlighted the importance of the agreement and the critical need to preserve fish stocks within the nation’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which spans approximately 2.2 million square kilometers in the Indian Ocean.

Signed in 2013, the fishing agreement has been renewed every three years, and both parties have a two-year period to define the structure of the new agreement that will take effect in late 2026.

Exclusive Economic Zone, New Fishing Agreement with the EU

Ambassador Benedikt stressed the importance of these consultations, noting, “The EU has a long-standing partnership with Mauritius, and the fishing agreements have been regularly renewed.

This working meeting will allow us to review the current agreement and determine what has worked and what has not.”

He added, “We have 18 months to prepare for a new agreement.”

Benedikt emphasized that the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement is not merely a commercial agreement; it is built on friendship and partnership.

“Sustainability is crucial, and we pay particular attention to it in every agreement we negotiate. Nature is not inexhaustible, and we must preserve our species and ensure the sustainability of our stocks,” he explained.

Furthermore, he pointed out that supporting local fishermen is a vital aspect of the agreement.

“Artisanal fishing is a tradition in Mauritius. Through this agreement, we have initiated projects aimed at supporting local fishermen,” he added.

In addition, Ambassador Benedikt highlighted the economic benefits this partnership brings to Mauritius, noting that exports bolster the country’s foreign currency reserves.

“It is a win-win situation,” he said, while also acknowledging the competitive landscape within the regional fishing industry.

Minister Fabrice David noted the coincidence of the discussions surrounding the new fishing agreement and the original agreement from December 2013.

“At that time, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam presented a roadmap for the development of the blue economy.

It is a fortunate coincidence that he is once again leading the country as we embark on the new agreement.”

The blue economy holds a significant place on the government’s agenda. “We are transforming our economy, and the blue economy will serve as a key pillar in this transformation,” David asserted.

“The government prioritizes the blue economy in its national economic agenda, which will allow us to transition from a Small Island Developing State to a Large Ocean State.”

During the meeting, ongoing projects will be evaluated, with 17 initiatives in the fishing sector currently funded by the EU.

David stated that these projects will align with the new government’s vision.

The delegation plans to visit the Albion Research Centre to assess developments in aquaculture and the Vessel Monitoring System.

This agreement is vital for the tuna processing industry, as well as for supporting the fishing community and monitoring the exclusive economic zone.

Fabrice David emphasized that the blue economy will play a major role in the government’s program, which will be presented to the National Assembly later this week.

Addressing the involvement of fishermen in this initiative, he remarked, “There cannot be a development of the blue economy without the fishing community.

I am fortunate to come from a coastal constituency where I meet many fishermen and learn from them. I listen to their concerns and engage with them regularly.”

Source: Le Mauricien

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