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Maria Damanaki, the EU Fisheries Commissioner, says time is running out to sign a new deal. (Photo: EC)
Spain calls on EC to extend fishing agreement with Morocco
 EUROPEAN UNION
Thursday, February 03, 2011, 03:40 (GMT + 9)
The Spanish government has asked the EU executive for a temporary extension - for at least one year - of the current fisheries agreement with Morocco, which expires on 27 February.
The Spanish authorities made this request to Brussels because it is expected that it will be impossible to conclude a new pact before that date.
Spain is the first beneficiary of the agreement signed with Morocco, since 100 of the 119 licenses awarded to the EU fleet are Spanish.
If the agreement expires, Spanish vessels will be forced to stop their activities, which be a significant financial detriment to the workers.
For her part, the Commissioner of Fisheries of the European Union (EU), Mary Damanaki, confirmed its interest in renewing the pact, but said that the team from the the European Commission (EC) has not yet officially decided on what terms, reports the EFE agency.
"Time is running out" and it is "imminent" that European vessels will stop fishing in Moroccan waters, said the European Commissioner.
Currently, they have presented a proposal to the rest of the EC which includes two options:
- Sign a new deal that excludes Western Saharan waters;
- Promote a one-year extension, temporarily, on the same basis as the current one.
Under the current fisheries agreement, the EU pays Morocco EUR 36.1 million per year in exchange for them allowing EU vessels to fish in its waters.
Of the total, Andalucía has 42 licensed vessels and the Canary Islands has 37 permits, among other Spanish regions.
Related articles:
- Fishing associations call upon EU to renew fisheries agreement with Morocco
- EC proposes new fishing agreement with Morocco to exclude Saharan waters
By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
Photo Courtesy of FIS Member  European Commission - Fisheries and Maritime Affairs
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