Impact of the Suspension on the Fishing Industry
The recent suspension of the fishing agreement between Morocco and the European Union has triggered significant unease among Spanish fishing professionals. This suspension arises as a result of the European Commission's declaration that the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) with Morocco and several other nations are currently inactive. The announcement followed a query posed by Sigbert Frank Dreuze, a Member of the European Parliament from the European Sovereign Group (ESN), regarding the status of these agreements and whether the European fishing fleets had indeed ceased operations in the territorial waters of these partner countries.
In response, the European Commission, represented by Costas Kadis, the European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, indicated that the reasons for the inactivity of these agreements are multifaceted. Some partner countries have been classified as 'non-cooperative' in combating illegal fishing, while in other instances, the differences in objectives and interests have led to the current impasse. Additionally, delays in finalizing negotiations for upcoming protocols, despite the diligent efforts of EU negotiators to avoid such interruptions, have also contributed to the situation.
The European Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the EU fishing fleet refrains from engaging in fishing operations in the waters subject to these inactive agreements under the 'exclusivity clause.' Furthermore, EU vessels are prohibited from entering into private agreements with the partner country while the agreement remains suspended.
Concerns from the Spanish Fishing Sector
The cessation of the fishing deal, which had allowed the European fleet, particularly Spanish vessels, to access annual fishing quotas in Moroccan waters, has raised alarms among European fishing stakeholders. The Spanish Confederation of Fisheries, known as CEPESCA, expressed disappointment over the far-reaching consequences of a ruling from the European Court of Justice that annulled the fishing agreement between the EU and Morocco. This ruling is perceived as a substantial setback for the Spanish fishing sector, especially in regions such as Andalusia, the Canary Islands, and Galicia, where local fishermen have historically relied on Moroccan waters for fishing species like anchovies and sardines.
CEPESCA emphasized the critical importance of the agreements between the EU and Morocco in supplying seafood products to Spain, the EU, Africa, and other regions, particularly in areas with high demand for healthy and affordable food options. Javier Garat, the former Secretary General of CEPESCA and the previous president of the European Fisheries Organization, remarked that the definitive cancellation of the fishing agreement with Morocco represents another painful blow to the sector, which is already facing complicated circumstances. Fishermen and businesses in Andalusia, Galicia, the Basque Country, and the Canary Islands, who previously operated in these waters, now face new restrictions on their fishing activities, exacerbated by the closure of several fishing areas under European regulations.
Moreover, Garat pointed out that the termination of the agreement necessitates the exploration of various scenarios, including fishing operations under direct permits. Regardless, he affirmed that stakeholders are prepared to work urgently with all involved parties to ensure the continuation of commercial activities and cooperation in fisheries between Morocco and the EU in the future. The fishing agreement, which expired on July 17, 2023, without renewal, had permitted a total of 128 European vessels, including 92 Spanish ships, to fish in Moroccan waters. Spanish professional organizations have repeatedly urged the EU to renegotiate a new agreement with Morocco to ensure the sustainable exploitation of marine resources and to meet the increasing demand for fish in the European market.
As reported by hespress.com.
