The European Union and Greenland have signed a new sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA) and protocol aimed at strengthening fisheries cooperation for the next four years, with the possibility of a two-year extension, the European Commission has confirmed.
According to the commission, the agreement that was reached in January and formally signed on 22 April “marks a new step” in the long-standing relation between the E.U. and Greenland in the area of fisheries, and “reiterates and emphasizes” the two parties’ commitment to the sustainable use of marine resources.
It substantially reinforces cooperation on monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities, the commission said.
The agreement will allow the E.U. fleet to continue fishing in Greenland waters for a duration of four to six years, while also continuing to contribute to the development of the fisheries sector in Greenland.
Fishing opportunities will continue as before for cod, redfish, Greenland halibut, northern prawn, capelin, and grenadier, while opportunities for mackerel have also been included, at a 0 total allowable catch (TAC) level.
Any quota of mackerel transferred by Greenland in the future will be dependent on the participation of Greenland as a signatory, with the E.U., to the Coastal States Sharing Arrangement on the management of mackerel.
Reference prices have also been updated, taking into account current market prices.
The total annual financial contribution to Greenland will be EUR 21.6 million (USD 26 million), with EUR 2.9 million (USD 3.5 million) earmarked to promote the development of the fisheries sector in Greenland.
For the entire duration of the protocol, the total estimated value amounts to EUR 130 million (USD 156.6 million).
The SFPA is based on the principles of the E.U. common fisheries policy (CFP) and also complies with the legislation in Greenland.
Photo courtesy of T. Terziev/Shutterstock
