The EU-Morocco agreements have played a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable, science-based management of fish stocks. These fisheries have been vital in supplying millions of healthy, affordable meals daily to regions with the greatest need.

While Europêche respects the Court’s decision, the sector is deeply disappointed that this ruling halts effectively managed fishing operations that meet EU sustainability standards in this key part of West African waters. Losing access to such essential fishing grounds is very worrisome for the sector, especially giving the shrinking fishing opportunities and diminishing fishing grounds accessible to the EU fleet.

According to Javier Garat, President of Europêche: ‘The current EU-Morocco Fisheries Agreement has contributed to improve the sustainable management of fish resources in these rich fishing grounds and was crucial for the activity of up to 128 European vessels, 700 fishermen and 3.500 workers ashore. Now that the agreement is annulled, several scenarios must be contemplated, including fishing operations under direct authorisations. In any case, we are ready to urgently work with all parties involved so that business and fisheries cooperation between Morocco and the EU can continue in the future.’

Europêche Vice-President, Tim Heddema responded to the ruling, stating: ‘Our priority remains the responsible and sustainable provision of fish, ensuring healthy, affordable meals continue to reach global markets. The EU-Mauritania Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement will now be an even more important alternative for EU pelagic fishing, but only if it becomes commercially viable. For example, a rapid recovery of stocks overfished by non-EU fleets will be key to a return of more EU operators to Mauritanian waters. This requires appropriate action by the Mauritanian government. It is good news that first steps are taken on the basis of a new management plan.’

Press contacts:

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: +32 489 26 81 07 daniel.voces@europeche.org

EP Press Release – EU Court Annuls EU Fisheries Deal with Morocco

The Joint Euro-Moroccan Commission analysed the Court decision in depth, particularly the socio-economic consequences and trade disruptions that a possible fisheries partnership agreement annulment would bring about. All parties agreed on the positive role played by such agreement for both parties throughout the years, including the population of the Sahara, as well as its fundamental contribution to advance in the sustainable management of fishery resources. In this vein, the sector representatives considered crucial the continuation of a fisheries partnership between the EU-Morocco.

The meeting allowed industry representatives to review other major areas of common interest in which the EU and Morocco are working together, which include regional fisheries, governance and neighborhood policies.

The Joint Euro-Moroccan Commission announced a presential meeting early next year in Europe  where they plan to present a roadmap for 2022.

About the Joint EU-Moroccan Commission of Fishing Professionals

The Joint Euro-Moroccan Commission of Fisheries Professionals was created in February 2018 between the European fisheries organizations that are part of Europêche and by the Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Federation of Morocco (FPMA) in order to promote the business relations between both parties, propose measures to improve the fluidity of commercial exchanges and defend common interests. Since 2011 exists as well the Joint Spanish-Moroccan Commission of Fishing Professionals.

Press contacts: 

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche: +32 2 230 48 48 daniel.voces@europeche.org

Commission Maroco-Européenne del Professionnels de la Pêche Press Release – Meeting

The Joint Euro-Moroccan Commission of Fishing Professionals has expressed its concern and caution regarding the ruling of the General Court of the EU that annuls the decisions of the Council in relation to the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement with Morocco. Both parties recall that the agreement will remain in force for at least two months (period provided for lodging an appeal), or until the date of delivery of the judgment of the Court ruling on any such appeal.

According to the sector, after that period of time, and in the worst-case scenario, the decision would be a severe blow to the EU fishing fleet since the current fishing agreement contemplates fishing authorisations for a total of 128 EU vessels.

However, the Joint Commission asks all parties to remain calm, both to politicians and professionals, and asks them to maintain the climate of friendship and good relations that exists to date, as well as to seek solutions to the problems that may arise as a result of the ruling. In this sense, the Joint Commission underlines the intense cooperation between Morocco and the EU in the framework of the neighborhood policy.

The Joint Commission has pledged its commitment to continue strengthening business relations and maintaining mutual support, as it has done since its creation. In this sense, for the members of the Joint Euro-Moroccan Commission of Fishing Professionals, “the fisheries agreement between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco has proven to be extremely positive for both parties, including the population of the Sahara, as well as fundamental to advance in the sustainable management of fishery resources. We can only hope that both parties can resolve the situation and that the good cooperation between Morocco and the EU in fisheries can continue in the future”.

 About the Joint EU-Moroccan Commission of Fishing Professionals

The Joint Euro-Moroccan Commission of Fisheries Professionals was created in February 2018 between the European fisheries organizations that are part of Europêche and by the Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Federation of Morocco (FPMA) in order to promote the business relations between both parties, propose measures to improve the fluidity of commercial exchanges and defend common interests. Since 2011 exists as well the Joint Spanish-Moroccan Commission of Fishing Professionals.

EP and Euro-Moroccan Commission of Fishing Professionals Press Release – General Court ruling Morocco