The European Union has secured a new fishing agreement with the Republic of Seychelles, providing financial support to the nation in return for access to its fisheries.
“This marks a new step in strengthening our bilateral cooperation,” the E.U. said in a social media post announcing the new deal.
According to the Seychelles government, it concluded negotiations with the E.U. on a new four-year sustainable fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA) on 1 April. The previous six-year arrangement the two parties has expired in February, and the E.U. sent a delegation to the nation that month to secure access to the lucrative tuna fishery once more.
“The Republic of Seychelles is a key partner of the E.U. in the Indian Ocean and a strategic actor in the global tuna industry. We look forward to continue our dialogue on sustainable fisheries management, and to further strengthen our mutually beneficial relationship,” Giuseppe Milazzo, the head of the E.U. delegation, said in a release.
Under the new deal, which runs from 2026 through 2030, the E.U. will provide EUR 5.8 million (USD 6.8 million) annually. EUR 3 million (USD 3.5 million) of the annual funding will be set aside specifically for Seychelles’ sustainable fisheries and maritime policy.
According to Seychelles Nation, Seychelles had initially pushed for a 30 percent increase in the E.U.’s financial contribution but ultimately settled for a 7 percent increase.
In return, the E.U. will be authorized to send up to 30 purse-seine vessels and eight longliner vessels to fish for tuna in Seychelles’ waters.
“The parties welcomed this outcome and are keen to continue the cooperation activities initiated under the partnership agreement,” the Seychelles government said in its announcement. “Once officially signed by Seychelles and the European Union, the text will apply provisionally pending its entry into force, thus allowing the resumption of fishing activities by Union vessels in Seychelles’ fishing zone, which are currently suspended.”
