Spanish fleet vessels. (Photo: Stock File)
The agreement reached between the European Union and Morocco was very beneficial for the Spanish fleet as of the 138 fishing licenses available, Spain has been granted more than half, according to Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas.
Minister Planas stressed that this agreement will favour the sustainability of the fleet, in its environmental, social and economic aspects, in addition to guaranteeing its activity in vulnerable Spanish areas, it will generate employment and wealth, and will make it possible to maintain a strict control over the catches made so as to preserve the resources of the area.
The minister explained that it also includes improvements for the operation of the ships, such as greater flexibility for compliance with the landing obligation in Moroccan ports or the maintenance of the value of the access fee to the fishing ground used by their vessels.
He also indicated that it has a duration of four years and includes a financial compensation for access to the resource, as sector support and as regards the payment of the fee by shipowners, for an amount of an average of EUR 50 million per year.
Likewise, Planas pointed out the need to incorporate into the agreement the judgment of the European Court of Justice regarding its implementation to the waters adjacent to the territory of Western Sahara, so that the legal security of its implementation is guaranteed, with “total respect and guarantee in the implementation of International Law,” the minister underlined.
As indicated by the Minister, in order to alleviate the situation of the fleet until the effective entry into force of the agreement, the Government plans a series of measures, among which the temporary relocation of vessels in other fishing grounds is foreseen, as well as the processing of two ministerial orders of aids for temporary stops, both for shipowners and for crew, for those ships that do not have alternative fishing grounds. These orders will be activated as quickly and as quickly as possible.
Related article:
– EU and Morocco conclude negotiations for new fisheries agreement
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