Seychelles fleets will be able to fish in Mayotte’s waters – The European Union’s Fisheries Commission recently approved new regulations opening the door for Seychelles fleets to fish in Mayotte’s waters, specifically beyond 24 nautical miles from the coast, in a sign of increasing international cooperation in sustainable fisheries. This agreement, aligned with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and its implementing protocol signed between the EU and the Republic of Seychelles in 2020, marks a significant step forward for both parties.
The agreement, which extends the fishing permit for a period of six years from March 2023, represents not only a strengthening of the strategic relationship between the EU and Seychelles but also aims to promote more sustainable fishing in the Indian Ocean. Mayotte, an Indian Ocean archipelago that serves as a French Overseas Department and EU Outermost Region since 2014, is at the centre of this international agreement.
Key objectives of the agreement include increasing coherence and reciprocity in sustainable fishing practices between the EU and Seychelles, supporting the development of fisheries policy in Mayotte and the other EU Outermost Regions, and addressing the challenges arising from their isolated geographical location.
The agreement provides for the introduction of electronic data exchanges and advanced measures to monitor and control fishing activity in order to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and protect vulnerable species, such as pelagic sharks. It also stipulates that eight Seychelles fishing vessels will be allowed to fish migratory species in Mayotte waters, following the recommendations of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and based on the best available scientific advice. These vessels will contribute economically to the region, paying €135 per tonne of tuna caught, with an advance of €13,500 for the first 100 tonnes.
The final approval of the agreement saw 15 votes in favour, 6 against and no abstentions, showing broad support but also some reservations. The final decision on this important dossier will be taken by the entire assembly of the European Parliament in the plenary session scheduled for 26-29 February, a vote that could significantly influence the future of sustainable fishing in the Indian Ocean and further strengthen international relations in the sector.
Seychelles fleets will be able to fish in Mayotte waters
