The EU Parliament approves five-year tuna fishing agreement with Cabo Verde
The European Parliament has approved a renewed tuna fishing agreement with Cabo Verde, granting 56 EU vessels from Spain, France, and Portugal the right to fish in the country’s waters for the next five years.
The deal aims to promote sustainable fisheries, strengthen socio-economic development, and bolster the fight against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the region.
Under the terms of the agreement, EU vessels will be allowed to fish up to 7,000 tonnes of tuna and related species annually. In return, the EU will provide Cabo Verde with €780,000 per year, of which €350,000 is allocated for access rights and €430,000 for the country’s fisheries policy and blue economy initiatives. Additionally, fishing fees paid by vessel owners could contribute up to €600,000 annually.
“This agreement combines remuneration for fishing opportunities with support for the sustainable development of Cabo Verde’s fishing sector,” said rapporteur Paulo do Nascimento Cabral (EPP, PT). “It promotes decent working conditions and strengthens scientific capabilities while protecting fishermen and ensuring the sustainability of our oceans.”
The agreement is part of the EU’s broader network of fisheries agreements with West African coastal states, including Morocco, Mauritania, and Guinea-Bissau.
Enhanced Cooperation and Sustainability
The protocol includes measures to improve vessel monitoring, regulate fishing authorisations, and implement management strategies for both tuna and shark stocks. These measures align with the rules of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), ensuring that fishing practices remain within established conservation guidelines.
“The agreement respects EU rules on resource conservation, environmental sustainability, and human rights,” added Cabral. “It provides a crucial framework for our fleet to operate responsibly in the Atlantic Ocean.”
The protocol has been in provisional application since 23 July 2024 and is expected to strengthen Cabo Verde’s capacity to manage its fisheries resources. It also encourages cooperation between the EU and Cabo Verde on scientific research and sustainable development in the fishing sector.
Socioeconomic Benefits for Cabo Verde
The agreement is designed to promote economic resilience and development in Cabo Verde’s fishing industry. Investments from the EU aim to support local fisheries infrastructure, training, and job creation, with an emphasis on improving working conditions and scientific capacity.
“This is a good agreement that protects both EU and Cabo Verdean fishermen, supports local communities, and contributes to ocean sustainability,” said Cabral during the plenary session.
Parliamentary and Committee Support
The Committee on Fisheries previously endorsed the protocol with 22 votes in favour and only four against, emphasising its alignment with EU fisheries management objectives. During the parliamentary vote, the agreement received 507 votes in favour, with 76 against and 16 abstentions.
The European Parliament’s approval marks a key step forward in the EU’s strategy to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility in international fisheries. The agreement will remain in effect until 2029, providing long-term stability for both EU fishing operations and Cabo Verde’s coastal economy.
Source: Press Release