Brussels: The European Union and So Tom© and Prncipe have announced the signing of a new protocol, renewing their long-standing partnership on fisheries, which has spanned four decades. This new agreement will enable EU vessels to harvest up to 6,500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species annually in the waters of So Tom© and Prncipe over the next four years.
According to Cyprus News Agency, this protocol not only allows for fishing activities but also includes provisions for the sustainable development of So Tom© and Prncipe’s fisheries sector. Over the four-year period, the EU will contribute a total of £3.3 million, which breaks down to £825,000 annually. Out of this, £500,000 each year will be specifically allocated to bolstering sustainable fisheries management, enhancing local control and surveillance capacities, and supporting artisanal fishing and local communities in So Tom© and Prncipe.
Moreover, EU shipowners will provide additional financial contributions, paying a licensing and catch fee of £85 per ton of fish caught within the territorial waters of So Tom© and Prncipe. The protocol also seeks to improve the working conditions for fishers on EU vessels, aiming for safer and fairer labor practices.
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, emphasized the significance of this agreement, highlighting the mutual commitment to responsible and sustainable fishing practices. He noted the cooperative effort to preserve ocean resources, supporting both local communities and ecosystems while promoting long-term ecological and economic resilience.
The protocol is scheduled to apply provisionally starting October 6, 2025, and will be fully enforced following ratification by both the European Union and So Tom© and Prncipe, with the consent of the European Parliament required on the EU side.