European Parliament Rejects Morocco Fisheries Pact

A proposed extension of the EU-Morocco Fisheries Agreement was declined by the European Parliament.

The EP requested from the Commission to come up with a new one that would be more environmentally and economically acceptable taking into account the interests of the Sahrawi population.

The current protocol, which entered into force on February 28, 2011, will cease to exist immediately.

According to the decision, EU fishermen will have to leave the waters off Morocco and Western Sahara after they had been allowed to operate in the area awaiting the formal approval of the agreement by the European Parliament.

MEPs insist on delivering a new protocol that must be economically, ecologically and socially sustainable and mutually beneficial and in accordance with international law.

The allocation of fishing opportunities should be related to scientific advice and EU vessels should be allowed to fish only surplus stocks while the financial support for the development of local fisheries must be used properly and more efficiently.

[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, December 15, 2011