EU-Seychelles Fisheries Partnership Faces Crucial Negotiations Ahead of Expiry
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The European Union-Seychelles fisheries partnership faces crucial negotiations ahead of its February 16 expiry, with EU-flagged vessels risking exclusion from Seychelles waters if a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement is not reached. Principal Secretary for Fisheries Wallace Cosgrow explained the situation following a courtesy visit by five members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries to President Patrick Herminie at State House.
The three-day mission by the visiting European Parliament delegation assesses Seychelles’ progress in sustainable fishing, fisheries conservation, data collection, and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Principal Secretary Cosgrow noted that the agreement, set to expire on February 16, has been the subject of four negotiation rounds, with a fifth currently underway. The remaining sticking point is remuneration.
The EU-Seychelles partnership has been in place for 15 years and represents Europe’s largest global collaboration in tuna fishing. Emma Wiesner, head of delegation from Sweden, underscored the enduring nature of the partnership. Without renewal, EU vessels would lose access to Seychelles waters, though they would still be allowed to land catches at local ports while fishing activities within the exclusive economic zone would cease.
Minister Cosgrow highlighted the agreement’s multiplier effect on the national economy through support for the fishing sector, port operations, and Seychelles Petroleum Company. Without it, Seychelles would lose licence fees and other financial contributions. The agreement is viewed as mutually beneficial.
The visiting delegation will visit key facilities including purse seiners at Fishing Port North, the Indian Ocean Tuna factory, cold storage sites, and the Seychelles Fisheries Authority’s monitoring centre. They will also meet with EU tuna purse seine operators and artisanal fisheries organisations. The partnership represents Europe’s largest global tuna fishing collaboration.
The outcome of current negotiations will determine the future of EU fishing operations in Seychelles waters.
