Under the protocol, the EU fleet can fish in Mauritanian waters for shrimp, demersal fish, tuna and small pelagic fish, up to a total of 287,050 tons a year. In addition to the fees paid by the European fleet, the EU pays a financial contribution of €61,625,000 per year, comprising of €57,500,000 for the access to waters and  €4,125,000 for supporting local fishing communities in Mauritania and improving fisheries governance.

This extension fully reflects the existing protocol and confirms its underlying principles. It will allow for the continuation of fishing activities of EU operators in Mauritanian waters as of 16 November 2019. Meanwhile, the negotiations for a new agreement and protocol will continue.

The two parties agreed on an exceptional derogatory procedure to tackle potential border blockages during the export transportation of fresh fish caught in Mauritanian waters.

The extension will enter into force when the necessary legislative procedures for its conclusion have been completed.

Mr Sidi Ali Sidi Boubacar, Director-General, Fisheries Ressources, Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Mauritania
Mrs Veronika Veits, Director for International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries