EU Sustainable Fishing Agreement with Guinea-Bissau

The European Parliament has adopted a new sustainable fisheries partnership agreement with Guinea-Bissau for the period 2024-2029. This agreement regulates fishing activities of EU vessels in Guinea-Bissau's waters and supports the development of the fisheries sector in this country. The agreement comes at a crucial time as fish resources in the region face overexploitation problems.

Context and objectives

The agreement is based on the legal framework of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and aims to promote sustainable fisheries policy. Main objectives include responsible management of fish resources, combating illegal fishing, and supporting Guinea-Bissau's blue economy. The agreement references FAO guidelines for small-scale fisheries for food security.

Key measures

• Establishment of fishing opportunities for 3,700 GRT for shrimp freezer trawlers, 3,500 GRT for fish and cephalopod freezer trawlers
• Ban on fishing for small pelagics to protect stocks
• Authorization for 28 vessels for migratory species and 13 vessels for tuna
• Transition from fishing effort to catch limits
• Implementation of electronic catch reporting systems
• Strengthening of monitoring, control and surveillance measures

Timeline and implementation

The protocol covers the period 2024-2029, with the previous protocol expiring in June 2024. Implementation is coordinated by the European Commission together with Guinea-Bissau authorities. Progress is expected in the certification of the CIPA laboratory to enable exports to the EU. The satellite surveillance system (VMS) will be improved for vessel monitoring.

Impact for citizens and stakeholders

The agreement brings significant financial benefits for Guinea-Bissau through compensation for access to resources. Local citizens could benefit from increased support for small-scale fisheries and food security. EU fishing companies gain controlled access to fish resources. Development of port infrastructure and processing plants in Guinea-Bissau could create local employment and keep a larger share of added value in the country.