EU renews fisheries deal with Seychelles for four more years

The European Union and Seychelles have formalized a new fisheries agreement, granting EU vessels access to fish in the waters of the Indian Ocean archipelago for the next four years. This renewed protocol, pending ratification by both parties, permits up to 30 European seiners and 8 longliners to resume operations.

The previous protocol expired on February 23, interrupting the activities of EU vessels. The majority of the European fleet operating in these waters comprises Spanish vessels from the Basque Country, Galicia, and Cantabria. Seychelles' economy significantly benefits from this partnership, with tuna-related activities accounting for a substantial portion of its imports, generating nearly 60 million euros in 2024 through catch landings and vessel supplies.

Under the new agreement, the EU will contribute 23 million euros over four years. A portion of this funding, three million euros, is earmarked to support Seychelles' sustainable fishing sector. Additionally, European shipowners will be required to pay licensing and catch fees, set at 90 euros per ton, along with environmental management and ecosystem monitoring charges.

Brussels highlighted the importance of this agreement in meeting the high demand for tuna within the EU, which constitutes 11% of the bloc's total seafood imports. The deal is expected to help satisfy this demand and lessen the EU's reliance on external sources for tuna.