EU Wants To Renegotiate Mauritius Fisheries Deal Before 2026 Expiry

The European Commission, on March 3, adopted a proposal requesting the Council of the EU to open negotiations “for the conclusion of a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) and its Implementing Protocol between the EU and Mauritius.” The current SFPA, which came into force on December 21, 2022, expires on the same date this year.

The letter from the European Commission read that “The current Implementing Protocol to the FPA with Mauritius provides fishing opportunities targeting tuna and highly migratory species for Union vessels from four Member States (Spain, France, Italy, and Portugal).” It sets the fishing opportunities provided to the EU fleet and the corresponding financial contribution paid by the EU and the ship-owners. “It is hereby recommended to negotiate a new SFPA and its Implementing Protocol with Mauritius.” The deal is crucial for seiners, mainly Spanish, that fish in the Indian Ocean and ensure a steady supply of tuna to the Princes processing plant in Mauritius, which exports canned tuna to the UK and EU markets.