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            PROTOCOL         

on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (2019-2024)

Article 1

Principles

1.   The European Union (‘the Union’) and the Republic of Cape Verde (‘Cape Verde’), (together referred to as ‘the Parties’) hereby shall undertake to promote responsible fishing in the Cape Verde fishing zone on the basis of the principle of non-discrimination. Cape Verde undertakes to apply the same technical and conservation measures to all industrial tuna fleets operating in its fishing zone with the aim of contributing to proper fisheries governance.

2.   The Parties shall undertake to ensure that the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Cape Verde (1) (‘the Agreement’) is implemented in accordance with Article 9 of the Partnership Agreement between the members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the one part, and the European Community and its Member States, of the other part (2), as last amended (‘Cotonou Agreement’), concerning essential elements regarding human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, and fundamental elements regarding good governance, sustainable development and sound environmental management.

3.   The Parties shall undertake to publish and exchange information on any agreement allowing foreign vessels to enter the Cape Verdean fishing zone and on the resulting fishing effort, in particular the number of authorisations issued and the catches made.

4.   Pursuant to Article 6 of the Agreement, vessels flying the flag of a Member State of the Union (‘Union vessels’) may engage in fishing activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Cape Verde only if they are in possession of a valid fishing authorisation issued by Cape Verde under this Protocol.

5.   The Cape Verdean authorities shall ensure that Cape Verdean fishermen enjoy exclusive rights to the fishing zones below the limits laid down in this Protocol.

Article 2

Period of application

This Protocol and the Annex thereto shall apply for a period of five years from the first day of provisional application pursuant to Article 15, unless notice of termination is given under Article 14.

Article 3

Fishing opportunities

1.   The fishing opportunities granted to Union vessels under Article 5 of the Agreement shall be as follows:

These fishing opportunities target fishing for highly migratory species listed in Annex I to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, within the limits set in Appendix 2 to this Protocol and with the exception of species which are protected or prohibited within the framework of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) or other international conventions:

2.   Paragraph 1 shall apply subject to Articles 6 and 7.

Article 4

Financial contribution

1.   The total value of this Protocol, for the period referred to in Article 2, is estimated at EUR 3 750 000.

2.   The annual amount of the financial contribution referred to in Article 7 of the Agreement is EUR 750 000, broken down as follows:

Furthermore, it is estimated that the fees payable by vessel owners for the fishing authorisations issued under Articles 5 and 6 of the Agreement and according to the procedures set out in Chapter II, Section 2 of the Annex to this Protocol amount to EUR 600 000 per year.

3.   Paragraph 1 of this Article shall apply subject to Articles 5, 6, 7, 10 and 14 of this Protocol and Articles 12 and 13 of the Agreement.

4.   If the overall quantity of catches by Union vessels in Cape Verdean waters exceeds the reference tonnage laid down in point (a) of paragraph 2, the amount of the financial contribution laid down in that provision shall be increased by EUR 50 for each additional tonne caught. However, the total annual amount paid by the Union shall not be more than twice the amount indicated in point (a) of paragraph 2. Where the quantities caught by Union vessels exceed the quantities corresponding to twice the total annual amount, the amount due for the quantity exceeding that limit shall be paid in the following year.

5.   Payment of the financial contribution laid down in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 2 shall be made no later than 90 days after the date of provisional application of this Protocol the first year and no later than the anniversary date of this Protocol the following years. The Cape Verdean authorities shall have full discretion regarding the use to which the financial contribution referred to in point (a) of paragraph 2 is put.

6.   The financial contributions provided for in points (a) and (b) of paragraph 2 shall be paid into Public Treasury accounts of Cape Verde. The contribution provided for in point (b) of paragraph 2 shall be entered into the national budget. The Cape Verdean authorities shall notify the European Commission of the relevant bank account numbers on an annual basis.

Article 5

Sectoral support

1.   Sectoral support, under this Protocol, shall contribute to the implementation of the national strategy for fisheries and the blue economy. Its aim is the sustainable management of fisheries resources and the development of the sector by, in particular:

2.   No later than three months after the entry into force of this Protocol, the Parties shall agree, within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Agreement (‘the Joint Committee’), on a multiannual sectoral programme and detailed implementing rules, in particular:

3.   Any proposed changes to the annual or multiannual sectoral programme shall be approved by the Joint Committee, where appropriate by exchange of letters.

4.   Each year, Cape Verde shall present to the Joint Committee a report setting out the progress of the projects implemented with the sectoral support. The report shall be examined by the Joint Committee, which will evaluate the results.

5.   The sectoral support shall be paid in instalments according to the needs identified in the programming and the results obtained.

6.   The Union may review or suspend, partially or totally, payment of the specific financial contribution provided for in point (b) of Article 4(2) of this Protocol in the event of failure to implement it or if the results obtained are inconsistent with the programming, following an evaluation carried out by the Joint Committee.

7.   Payment of the financial contribution shall resume after consultation and agreement by both Parties when justified by the results of the implementation. Nevertheless, the specific financial contribution provided for in point (b) of Article 4(2) of this Protocol shall not be paid out beyond a period of six months after this Protocol expires.

8.   The Parties shall ensure the visibility of the actions financed by the sectoral support.

Article 6

Scientific cooperation to ensure responsible fishing

1.   During the period covered by this Protocol, the Union and the Cape Verdean authorities shall monitor the evolution of captures, the fishing effort and the state of fishery resources in the Cabo Verdean fishing zone with regard to all species covered by this Protocol. In particular, the Parties agree to improve data collection and analysis, with a view to drawing up a national action plan for the conservation and management of sharks in the Cape Verdean EEZ.

2.   The Parties shall comply with the recommendations and resolutions of the ICCAT regarding the responsible management of fisheries.

3.   In accordance with Article 4 of the Agreement, on the basis of the recommendations and resolutions adopted within the ICCAT and in the light of the best available scientific advice, the Parties may, by common agreement, convene a joint scientific meeting to review the status of the main species targeted by Union vessels, in particular pelagic sharks. The results of the scientific meeting shall be submitted to the Joint Committee. The Joint Committee shall, where appropriate, shall adopt additional measures to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries resources caught by Union vessels.

4.   Given that pelagic sharks may be among the species caught by Union vessels in connection with tuna fisheries, and in view of the vulnerability of these species as expressed in ICCAT scientific opinions, any catches of the species in question by longline vessels engaged in fishing under this Protocol require particular attention in line with the precautionary principle. Both Parties shall cooperate with a view to improving the availability and monitoring of scientific data relating to the species caught.

5.   To this end, both Parties shall set up a mechanism for strict monitoring of this fishery in order to ensure sustainable exploitation of the resource. The monitoring mechanism shall, in particular, be based on a quarterly exchange of data on shark catches. If, in the course of a year, these catches exceed 30 % of the reference tonnage referred to in point (a) of Article 4(2), reinforced monitoring based on a monthly exchange of data and consultation between the Parties shall be set up. If, in the course of a year, such catches reach 40 % of the reference tonnage referred to above, the Joint Committee shall, where appropriate, adopt further management measures setting a more adequate framework for the longliner fleet's activities.

6.   The Joint Committee may decide to adjust the monitoring mechanism referred to above on the basis of the results of the work of the joint scientific meeting.

7.   The Parties shall work together to strengthen the mechanisms for control, inspection and the combating of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in Cape Verde.

Article 7

Review of fishing opportunities and technical measures by mutual agreement

1.   The Joint Committee may review the fishing opportunities referred to in Article 3 and adjust them by mutual agreement insofar as ICCAT recommendations and resolutions confirm that the adjustment guarantees the sustainable management of the fish species covered by this Protocol. In this case, the financial contribution referred to in point (a) of Article 4(2) shall be adjusted proportionately and pro rata temporis and the necessary amendments shall be made to this Protocol and to the Annex thereto.

2.   The Joint Committee may, where necessary, examine and adapt by mutual agreement the provisions governing fishing activities and the rules for implementation of the sectoral support provided for in this Protocol.

Article 8

Promoting cooperation among economic operators

1.   The Parties shall cooperate with a view to improving landing options in Cape Verdean ports.

2.   The Parties shall endeavour to create conditions favourable to the promotion of relations between their enterprises in the technical, economic and commercial spheres, by encouraging the establishment of an environment favourable to the development of business and investment.

Article 9

Cooperation in the field of the blue economy

1.   The Parties shall undertake to cooperate in order to promote the blue economy, in particular in the areas of aquaculture, maritime spatial planning, energy, marine biotechnology and the protection of marine ecosystems.

2.   The Parties shall undertake to promote investments in fisheries and the maritime economy, in accordance with the objectives of the Special Partnership between Cape Verde and the Union.

3.   The Parties shall cooperate in order to raise European Union private operators' awareness of commercial and industrial opportunities in the Cape Verdean fishing sector and maritime economy.

4.   The Parties shall cooperate with a view to developing joint actions and exchanging information and best practices. To this end, they shall agree on focal points and communication arrangements.

Article 10

Suspension of the implementation of this Protocol

1.   The implementation of this Protocol, including the payment of the financial contribution, may be suspended at the initiative of one of the Parties if one or more of the following conditions apply:

2.   Where the application of this Protocol is suspended for reasons other than those given in point (c) of paragraph 1, the Party concerned shall be required to notify its intention in writing at least three months before the date on which suspension is due to take effect. Suspension of this Protocol for the reasons given in point (c) of paragraph 1 shall apply immediately after the suspension decision has been taken.

3.   In the event of suspension, the Parties shall continue to consult with a view to finding an amicable settlement to their dispute. Once such settlement is reached, application of this Protocol shall resume and the amount of the financial contribution shall be reduced proportionately and pro rata temporis according to the period during which application of this Protocol was suspended.

Article 11

Electronic data exchange

1.   Cape Verde and the Union shall undertake to rendering operational and maintaining the IT systems required for the electronic exchange of all the information and documents relating to the implementation of the Agreement.

2.   The electronic version of a document shall be considered equivalent to the paper version in every respect.

3.   Cape Verde and the Union shall inform each other without delay of any malfunction of a computer system. The information and documents relating to the implementation of the agreement shall then be automatically transmitted by an alternative mode of communication.

Article 12

Confidentiality of data

1.   Cape Verde and the Union shall undertake to ensure that all nominative data relating to Union vessels and their fishing activities obtained within the framework of the Agreement will, at all times, be processed strictly in accordance with the principles of confidentiality and data protection.

2.   The Parties shall ensure that only aggregate data on fishing activities in Cape Verdean waters are made publicly available, in line with the relevant provisions of ICCAT.

3.   Data which may be considered confidential must be used by the competent authorities exclusively for the purposes of implementing the Agreement and for fishery management, controls and monitoring.

Article 13

Applicable provisions of national law

1.   The activities of Union vessels operating in Cape Verdean waters under this Protocol shall be governed by the legislation in force in Cape Verde, in particular the Cape Verdean fisheries resources management plan, unless the Agreement or this Protocol, and the Annex and Appendices thereto, provide otherwise.

2.   The Cape Verdean authorities shall inform the European Commission of any change or any new legislation relating to the fishing sector.

Article 14

Termination

1.   In the event of termination of this Protocol, the Party concerned shall notify the other Party in writing of its intention to terminate it at least six months before the date on which such termination would take effect.

2.   Dispatch of the notification referred to in paragraph 1 shall give rise to consultations between the Parties.

Article 15

Provisional application

This Protocol shall apply provisionally from the date of signing.

Article 16

Entry into force

This Protocol shall enter into force on the date on which the Parties notify each other of the completion of the procedures necessary for this purpose.

Съставено в Брюксел на двадесети май две хиляди и деветнадесета година.

Hecho en Bruselas, el veinte de mayo de dos mil diecinueve.

V Bruselu dne dvacátého května dva tisíce devatenáct.

Udfærdiget i Bruxelles den tyvende maj to tusind og nitten.

Geschehen zu Brüssel am zwanzigsten Mai zweitausendneunzehn.

               Kahe tuhande üheksateistkümnenda aasta maikuu kahekümnendal päeval Brüsselis.

Έγινε στις Βρυξέλλες, στις είκοσι Μαΐου δύο χιλιάδες δεκαεννέα.

Done at Brussels on the twentieth day of May in the year two thousand and nineteen.

Fait à Bruxelles, le vingt mai deux mille dix-neuf.

Sastavljeno u Bruxellesu dvadesetog svibnja godine dvije tisuće devetnaeste.

Fatto a Bruxelles, addì venti maggio duemiladiciannove.

Briselē, divi tūkstoši deviņpadsmitā gada divdesmitajā maijā.

Priimta du tūkstančiai devynioliktų metų gegužės dvidešimtą dieną Briuselyje.

Kelt Brüsszelben, a kétezer-tizenkilencedik év május havának huszadik napján.

Magħmul fi Brussell, fl-għoxrin jum ta’ Mejju fis-sena elfejn u dsatax.

Gedaan te Brussel, twintig mei tweeduizend negentien.

Sporządzono w Brukseli dnia dwudziestego maja roku dwa tysiące dziewiętnastego.

Feito em Bruxelas, em vinte de maio de dois mil e dezanove.

Întocmit la Bruxelles la douăzeci mai două mii nouăsprezece.

V Bruseli dvadsiateho mája dvetisícdevätnásť.

V Bruslju, dne dvajsetega maja leta dva tisoč devetnajst.

Tehty Brysselissä kahdentenakymmenentenä päivänä toukokuuta vuonna kaksituhattayhdeksäntoista.

Som skedde i Bryssel den tjugonde maj år tjugohundranitton.

За Европейския съюз

Рог la Unión Europea

Za Evropskou unii

For Den Europæiske Union

Für die Europäische Union

Euroopa Liidu nimel

Για την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση

For the European Union

Pour l'Union européenne

Za Europsku uniju

Per l'Unione europea

Eiropas Savienības vārdā –

Europos Sąjungos vardu

Az Európai Unió részéről

Għall-Unjoni Ewropea

Voor de Europese Unie

W imieniu Unii Europejskiej

Pela União Europeia

Pentru Uniunea Europeană

Za Európsku úniu

Za Evropsko unijo

Euroopan unionin puolesta

För Europeiska unionen

За Република Кабо Верде

Por la República de Cabo Verde

Za Kapverdskou republiku

For Republikken Kap Verde

Für die Republik Cabo Verde

Cabo Verde Vabariigi nimel

Για τη Δημοκρατία του Πράσινου Ακρωτηρίου

For the Republic of Cape Verde

Pour la République du Cap-Vert

Za Republiku Kabo Verde

Per la Repubblica del Capo Verde

Kaboverdes Republikas vārdā –

Žaliojo Kyšulio Respublikos vardu

A Zöld-foki Köztársaság részéről

Għar-Repubblika ta' Cape Verde

Voor de Republiek Kaapverdië

W imieniu Republiki Zielonego Przylądka

Pela República de Cabo Verde

Pentru Republica Capului Verde

Za Kapverdskú republiku

Za Republiko Zelenortski otoki

Kap Verden tasavallan puolesta

För Republiken Kap Verde

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(1)OJ EU L 414, 30.12.2006, p. 3.

(2)OJ EC L 317, 15.12.2000, p. 3.

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ANNEX

CONDITIONS GOVERNING FISHING ACTIVITIES BY UNION VESSELS IN THE CAPE VERDEAN FISHING ZONE

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.   Designation of the competent authority

For the purposes of this Annex and unless otherwise specified, any reference to the Union or to Cape Verde as a competent authority shall mean:

2.   Fishing zone

The coordinates of the Cape Verdean EEZ are set out in Appendix 1. Union vessels may carry out their fishing activities beyond the limits laid down for each category in Appendix 2, with Cape Verdean fishermen retaining exclusive fishing rights below those limits.

Cape Verde shall, when issuing the fishing authorisation, inform the vessel owners of the coordinates of any zones closed to shipping and fishing. The Union shall also be informed.

3.   Appointment of a local agent

Any Union vessel which plans to land or tranship in a Cape Verdean port may be represented by an agent resident in Cape Verde.

4.   Bank account

Cape Verde shall notify the Union before the entry into force of this Protocol of the details of the bank account(s) into which the financial sums payable by Union vessels under the Agreement shall be paid. The associated bank transfer costs shall be borne by vessel owners.

CHAPTER II

FISHING AUTHORISATIONS

Section 1

Applicable procedures

1.   Condition for obtaining a fishing authorisation — eligible vessels

The fishing authorisations referred to in Article 6 of the Agreement shall be issued on the condition that the vessel is included in the Union fishing vessels register in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 2017/2403 of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets. All previous obligations of the vessel owner, the master, or the vessel itself arising out of their fishing activities in Cape Verde under the Agreement shall be met before such issuance.

2.   Application for a fishing authorisation

The Union shall submit to Cape Verde an application for a fishing authorisation in respect of each vessel wishing to fish under the Agreement at least 15 days before the start of the period of validity requested, using the form in Appendix 3. The application must be typed or legibly written in block capitals.

The targeted species must be indicated clearly in the application for a fishing authorisation.

For each initial application for a fishing authorisation under the Protocol in force, or following a technical change to the vessel concerned, the application shall be accompanied by proof of payment of the flat-rate fee for the period of validity of the fishing authorisation requested and the flat-rate contribution for the observers referred to in Chapter IX, as well as:

As regards renewal of a fishing authorisation under the Protocol in force for a vessel whose technical specifications have not been modified, the renewal application need only be accompanied by proof of payment of the fee and flat-rate contribution towards the costs relating to the observer.

3.   Issue of fishing authorisation

A fishing authorisation for tuna and tuna-like species (‘                     atum e afins                     ’) and other species authorised under this Protocol shall be issued by Cape Verde to the Union within 15 working days of receiving the full application file.

Where a fishing authorisation is renewed during the period in which this Protocol applies, the new fishing authorisation must contain a clear reference to the initial fishing authorisation.

The Union shall forward the fishing authorisation to the vessel owner or its agent. If the Union offices are closed, Cape Verde may send the fishing authorisation directly to the vessel owner or its agent, with a copy to the Union.

4.   List of vessels authorised to fish

Once the fishing authorisation is issued, Cape Verde shall draw up without delay for each category of vessel the final list of vessels authorised to fish in the Cape Verdean zone. This list shall be sent immediately to the national body responsible for supervising fishing, and to the Union.

5.   Period of validity of the fishing authorisation

Fishing authorisations shall be valid for one year and be renewable.

In order to establish the start of the period of validity, ‘annual period’ shall mean:

6.   Keeping the fishing authorisation on board

A copy of this fishing authorisation shall be sent electronically immediately to the Union and to the vessel owners or their local agents. The copy, which is held on board, may be used for a maximum period of 60 calendar days after the date on which the authorisation was issued. After this period, the original of the fishing authorisation must be kept on board.

7.   Transfer of fishing authorisation

A fishing authorisation shall be issued for a given vessel and shall not be transferable. However, where force majeure is proven, for example in the event of the loss or prolonged immobilisation of a vessel due to a serious technical failure, and, at the request of the Union, the fishing authorisation shall be replaced by a new authorisation, issued for another vessel similar to the vessel to be replaced.

The transfer shall involve the fishing authorisation to be replaced being returned by the vessel owner or its agent in Cape Verde, and Cape Verde drawing up the replacement authorisation as soon as possible. The replacement authorisation shall be delivered without further delay to the vessel owner or its agent when returning the authorisation to be replaced. The replacement authorisation shall take effect on the day on which the authorisation to be replaced is returned.

Cape Verde shall update the list of vessels authorised to fish as soon as possible. The new list shall be sent immediately to the national body responsible for supervising fishing, and to the Union.

8.   Support vessels

At the request of the Union, and following an examination by the competent authorities, Cape Verde shall authorise Union fishing vessels holding a fishing authorisation to be assisted by support vessels.

The support vessels may not be equipped for fishing. This support must not include refuelling or the transhipment of catches.

Support vessels are subject to the same procedure as regards the sending of applications for fishing authorisations set out in this Chapter, to the extent applicable. Cape Verde shall draw up a list of authorised support vessels and send it to the Union immediately.

These vessels shall be subject to the payment of an annual fee of EUR 3 500.

Section 2

Fees and advance payments

1.   The fees to be paid by the vessel owners shall be EUR 70 per tonne caught.

2.   Fishing authorisations shall be issued once the following anticipated flat-rate fees have been paid to the competent Cape Verdean authorities:

3.   The anticipated flat-rate fee shall include all local and national taxes with the exception of port taxes, transhipment taxes and charges for the provision of services. For the first and the last year, the anticipated flat-rate fee and its equivalent in tonnes per vessel shall be calculated pro rata temporis based on the number of months covered by the authorisation.

4.   The Union shall draw up for each vessel, on the basis of its catch reporting, a final statement of the fees owed by the vessel in respect of its annual season for the previous calendar year. The Union shall send this final statement to Cape Verde and to the vessel owner via the Member States before 30 April of the year in progress. Cape Verde may challenge the final statement, on the basis of documentary proof, within 30 days of their receipt. In the case of disagreement, the Parties shall consult each other in the Joint Committee. If Cape Verde does not object within 30 days, the final statement shall be considered to be adopted.

5.   Where the final statement is greater than the anticipated flat-rate fee paid to obtain the fishing authorisation, the vessel owner shall pay the outstanding balance to Cape Verde within 45 days unless the vessel owner contests the payment. However, if the final statement is less than the anticipated flat-rate fee, the remaining amount may not be reclaimed by the vessel owner.

CHAPTER III

TECHNICAL CONSERVATION MEASURES

Technical measures applicable to vessels holding a fishing authorisation with respect to fishing zones, fishing gear and by-catch are laid down for each category of fishing in Appendix 2.

The vessels shall comply with all the recommendations adopted by the ICCAT. In line with those recommendations, the Parties shall endeavour to reduce the level of by-catches of turtles, seabirds and other non-target species. The Union vessels shall release any such by-catches in the interest of increasing the chance of survival of the species concerned.

CHAPTER IV

CATCH REPORTING

1.   The master of a Union vessel fishing under the Agreement shall keep a fishing logbook, in accordance with the relevant ICCAT resolutions and recommendations. The master shall be responsible for the accuracy of the data recorded in the electronic fishing logbook.

2.   All Union vessels holding an authorisation issued under this Protocol shall be equipped with an electronic system (‘ERS’) capable of recording and transmitting data on the vessel's fishing activity (‘ERS data’).

3.   A vessel holding an authorisation issued under this Protocol and that is not equipped with an ERS, or whose ERS is not working, shall not be authorised to enter Cape Verde's fishing zone in order to engage in fishing activities.

4.   Catches shall be notified as specified in Appendix 5.

5.   ERS data shall be transmitted by the vessel to its flag State, which will make them automatically available for Cape Verde. The flag State shall ensure that the data are received and recorded in a computer database enabling the secure retention of the data for at least 36 months.

6.   The flag State and Cape Verde shall ensure that they have the necessary IT equipment and software to automatically transmit ERS data.

7.   ERS data must be transmitted using the electronic means of communication operated by the European Commission for exchanges of fisheries data in a standardised form.

8.   Where the provisions concerning catch reporting are not complied with, Cape Verde may suspend the fishing authorisation of the vessel concerned until the missing catch report is obtained and penalise the vessel owner in accordance with the relevant provisions under the national legislation in force. If the offence is repeated, Cape Verde may refuse to renew the fishing authorisation. Cape Verde shall inform the Union immediately of any penalty applied in this context.

9.   The flag State and Cape Verde shall each designate an ERS correspondent who will act as the point of contact for matters related to the implementation of this Protocol. The flag State and Cape Verde shall notify each other of the contact details of their ERS correspondents and, where appropriate, update that information without delay.

CHAPTER V

LANDINGS AND TRANSHIPMENTS

1.   Notice

The master of a Union vessel wishing to land in a Cape Verdean port, or to tranship catch from the Cape Verdean fishing zone, must notify Cape Verde, at least 24 hours before the landing or transhipment, of the following:

Any transhipment operation must be carried out in the waters of a Cape Verdean port authorised for this purpose. Transhipment at sea is prohibited.

Non-compliance with these conditions shall lead to the application of the relevant sanctions provided for under the legislation of Cape Verde.

2.   Landing incentives

The Parties shall cooperate in order to contribute to the development of Cape Verde's fishing industry and enhance the economic and social impact of the Agreement, in particular by increasing landings by Union vessels and adding value to fishery products.

Owners of vessels fishing for tuna shall endeavour to land part of their catches from Cape Verdean waters. The landed catch may be sold to local enterprises at a price set by negotiation between the operators.

The implementation of the strategy aimed at increasing the rate of landings and the good working order of the port and processing infrastructure shall be subject to regular monitoring by the Joint Committee, following consultation of the operators concerned.

CHAPTER VI

CONTROL AND INSPECTION

1.   Entering and leaving the fishing zone

Any entry into or departure from the Cape Verdean fishing zone of a Union vessel holding a fishing authorisation shall be notified to Cape Verde within three hours before the entry or departure.

When notifying its entry or exit, the vessel shall notify in particular:

2.   Vessel position messages — VMS

Any Union vessel authorised under this Protocol shall be equipped with a satellite-based vessel monitoring system (VMS), in accordance with the specifications set out in Appendix 4.

It is forbidden to move, disconnect, destroy, damage or render inoperative the continuous tracking system using satellite communications placed on board the vessel for the purposes of data transmission or to intentionally alter, divert or falsify data transmitted or recorded by such a system.

Notification shall be given preferably through the ERS/VMS or, in the event of malfunction of the system, by e-mail, fax or radio. Cape Verde shall immediately inform the vessels concerned and the Union of any change to the e-mail address, telephone number or transmission frequency.

Whilst they are in the Cape Verdean fishing zone, Union vessels holding a fishing authorisation shall be equipped with a VMS to enable automatic and continuous communication of their position, at all times, to the Fisheries Monitoring Centre (FMC) of their flag State.

Each position message must:

Any vessel found to be fishing in the Cape Verdean fishing zone without having previously notified its presence shall be considered to be a vessel in breach of the rules.

3.   Inspection

Inspection at sea in the Cape Verdean fishing zone, or in port, of Union vessels holding a fishing authorisation shall be carried out by vessels and Cape Verdean inspectors who are clearly identified as being assigned to carry out fishing checks.

Before going on board, the Cape Verdean inspectors shall inform the Union vessel of their decision to carry out an inspection. The inspection shall be carried out by a maximum of two inspectors, who must provide proof of their identity and official position as an inspector before carrying out the inspection.

The Cape Verdean inspectors shall only stay on board the Union vessel for the time necessary to carry out tasks linked to the inspection. They shall carry out the inspection in a way which minimises the impact on the vessel, its fishing activity and cargo.

Cape Verde may authorise the Union to participate in the inspection at sea as an observer.

The master of the Union vessel shall allow the Cape Verdean inspectors to come on board and carry out their work.

At the end of each inspection, the Cape Verdean inspectors shall draw up an inspection report. The master of the Union vessel has the right to include his comments in the inspection report. The inspection report shall be signed by the inspector drawing up the report and the master of the Union vessel.

The Cape Verdean inspectors shall give a copy of the inspection report to the master of the Union vessel before leaving the vessel. Cape Verde shall send a copy of the inspection report to the Union within a period of eight days after the inspection.

CHAPTER VII

INFRINGEMENTS

1.   Handling of infringements

Any infringement committed by a Union vessel holding a fishing authorisation under this Annex shall be mentioned in an inspection report.

The signing of the inspection report by the master shall be without prejudice to the vessel owner's right of defence in respect of the alleged infringement.

2.   Detention of a vessel – information meeting

Where permitted under the Cape Verdean legislation in force regarding the infringement, any Union vessel having committed an infringement may be forced to cease its fishing activity and, where the vessel is at sea, to return to a Cape Verdean port.

Cape Verde shall notify the Union within one working day of any detention of a Union vessel holding a fishing authorisation. The notification must be sent together with elements justifying the detention.

Before taking any measure against the vessel, the master, the crew or the cargo, with the exception of measures aimed at protecting evidence, Cape Verde shall organise, at the request of the Union, within one working day of notification of the detention of the vessel, an information meeting to clarify the facts which have led to the vessel being detained and to explain what further action may be taken. A representative of the vessel's flag State may attend this information meeting.

3.   Penalties for infringements – compromise procedure

The penalty for the infringement shall be set by Cape Verde according to the national legislation in force.

Where settling the infringement involves legal proceedings, provided that the infringement does not involve a criminal act, a compromise procedure shall be launched between Cape Verde and the Union before the legal proceedings are instigated with a view to determining the terms and level of the penalty. A representative of the vessel's flag State may participate in this compromise procedure. The compromise procedure shall finish at the latest three days after notification of the vessel's detention.

4.   Legal proceedings — bank security

If the compromise procedure fails and the infringement is brought before the competent court, the owner of the vessel which committed the infringement shall deposit a bank security at a bank designated by Cape Verde, the amount of which, as set by Cape Verde, shall cover the costs linked to the detention of the vessel, the estimated fine and any compensation. The bank security may not be recovered until the legal proceedings have been concluded.

The bank security shall be released and returned to the vessel owner immediately after the judgment has been given:

Cape Verde shall inform the Union of the outcome of the legal proceedings within eight days following the judgement.

5.   Release of the vessel and the crew

The vessel and its crew shall be authorised to leave the port once the penalty has been paid in a compromise procedure, or once the bank security has been deposited.

CHAPTER VIII

SIGNING-ON OF SEAMEN

1.   Number of seamen to sign on

During their fishing season in the Cape Verdean fishing zone, the Union vessels shall sign on Cape Verdean seamen, subject to the following limits:

The owners of the Union vessels shall endeavour to sign on additional Cape Verdean seamen.

2.   Free choice of seamen

Cape Verde shall hold a list of Cape Verdean seamen qualified to be signed on for Union vessels.

The vessel owner, or his agent, shall choose freely from the list of Cape Verdean seamen to be signed on and shall notify Cape Verde of their inclusion in the crew.

3.   Seamen's contracts

The employment contract for Cape Verdean seamen shall be drawn up by the vessel owner or his agent and the seaman, represented by his union, if necessary. It shall be signed by the Cape Verdean maritime authority. It shall stipulate in particular the date and port of signing on.

The contract shall guarantee the seaman the social security cover applicable to him in Cape Verde. It shall include life assurance and sickness and accident insurance.

A copy of the contract shall be given to the signatories.

The basic working rights laid down in the declaration of the International Labour Organization (ILO) shall be afforded to Cape Verdean seamen. This concerns in particular the freedom of association and effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

4.   Seamen's wages

The wages of the Cape Verdean seamen shall be paid by the vessel owner. They shall be set before the fishing authorisation is issued by mutual agreement between the vessel owner or his agent and Cape Verde.

The wages shall not be lower than those of crews on national vessels, nor the level determined by the ILO.

5.   Seamen's obligations

The seaman shall report to the master of the vessel to which he has been appointed the day before the signing-on date stipulated in the contract. The master shall inform the seaman of the date and time of signing on. If the seaman withdraws or does not present himself at the date and time stipulated for his signing on, his contract will be considered to be null and void and the vessel owner will be automatically discharged from his obligation to sign him on. In this case the vessel owner shall not be liable to pay any financial penalty or compensation payment.

6.   Failure to sign on seamen

Owners of vessels which fail to sign on Cape Verdean seamen shall be required to pay, before 30 September of the year in progress, for each seaman below the number set in paragraph 1, a flat rate of EUR 20 for each day their vessels are present in the Cape Verdean fishing zone.

CHAPTER IX

OBSERVERS

1.   Observation of fishing activities

Pending the implementation of a system of regional observers, vessels authorised to fish in the Cape Verdean fishing zone under the Agreement shall take on board, instead of regional observers, observers designated by Cape Verde in accordance with the rules set out in this Chapter.

Vessels holding a fishing authorisation shall be subject to a scheme for observing their fishing activities carried out within the framework of the Agreement.

This observation scheme shall conform to the provisions provided for in the recommendations adopted by the ICCAT.

2.   Designated vessels and observers

Cape Verde shall designate the Union vessels which must allow an observer to embark and the observer assigned to them at the latest 15 days before the date provided for the embarkation of the observer.

When the fishing authorisation is issued, Cape Verde shall inform the Union and the vessel owner, or his agent, of the designated vessels and observers and the times at which the observer will be present on board each vessel. Cape Verde shall immediately inform the Union and the vessel owner or his agent of any change in the designated vessels and observers.

Cape Verde shall endeavour not to designate observers for vessels which already have an observer on board, or which are already formally obliged to allow an observer to embark during the fishing season in question as part of their activities in fishing zones other than the Cape Verdean zone.

The observers shall not spend more time on board the vessel than is necessary to carry out their duties.

3.   Flat-rate financial contribution

At the time the fee is paid, the vessel owner shall pay Cape Verde a flat-rate sum of EUR 200 per year for each vessel.

4.   Observer's salary

The salary and social contributions of the observer shall be borne by Cape Verde.

5.   Embarkation conditions

The embarkation conditions for the observer, in particular the duration of presence on board, shall be defined by mutual agreement between the vessel owner or his agent and Cape Verde.

Observers shall be treated on board as officers. However, receiving the observer on board shall take into account the technical structure of the vessel.

The vessel owner shall bear the costs of providing accommodation and food for the observer on board.

The master shall take all the measures for which he is responsible to guarantee the physical safety and general wellbeing of the observer.

The observer shall be provided with every facility needed to carry out his duties. He shall have access to means of communication and to documents relating to the fishing activities of the vessel, in particular the fishing logbook and navigation log, and the parts of the vessel directly linked to his duties.

6.   Observer's obligations

Whilst they are on board, observers shall:

7.   Embarkation and landing of observers

The observer shall sign on in a port chosen by the vessel-owner.

The vessel owner or his agent shall inform Cape Verde, with a notice period of 10 days before the embarkation, of the date, time and the port of embarkation of the observer. If the observer is embarked in a foreign country, his travel costs to the port of embarkation shall be borne by the vessel owner.

If the observer does not present himself for boarding within 12 hours of the date and time set, the vessel owner shall be automatically discharged from his obligation to allow the observer to embark. The vessel shall be free to leave the port and start fishing operations.

Where the observer is not disembarked in a Cape Verdean port, the vessel owner shall bear the costs of repatriation of the observer to Cape Verde as soon as possible.

8.   Observer's duties

The observer shall carry out the following duties:

9.   Observer's report

Before leaving the vessel, the observer shall submit a report of his observations to the master of the vessel. The master of the vessel shall have the right to make comments in the observer's report. The report shall be signed by the observer and the master. The master shall receive a copy of the observer's report.

The observer shall send his report to Cape Verde, which shall send a copy of it to the Union within eight days of setting the observer ashore.

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(1)  Regulation (EU) 2017/2403 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2017 on the sustainable management of external fishing fleets, and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1006/2008 (OJ EU L 347, 28.12.2017, p. 81).

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APPENDICES TO THE ANNEX

Appendix 1 - Cape Verdean fishing zone

Appendix 2 - Technical conservation measures

Appendix 3 - Authorisation Application Form

Appendix 4 - Vessel monitoring system

Appendix 5 - Implementation of the electronic system for recording fishing activities (ERS)

APPENDIX 1

CAPE VERDEAN FISHING ZONE

The Cape Verdean fishing area extends up to 200 nautical miles from the following baselines:

Pursuant to the treaty signed on 17 February 1993 between the Republic of Cape Verde and the Republic of Senegal, the maritime border with Senegal is delineated by the following points:

Pursuant to the Treaty signed between the Republic of Cape Verde and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the maritime border between the two countries is delineated by the following points:

APPENDIX 2

TECHNICAL CONSERVATION MEASURES

1.   Measures applicable to all categories:

2.   Specific measures

SHEET 1: POLE-AND-LINE TUNA VESSELS

By-catches: compliance with ICCAT and FAO recommendations.

SHEET 2: TUNA SEINERS

By-catches: compliance with ICCAT and FAO recommendations.

SHEET 3: SURFACE LONGLINERS

By-catches: compliance with ICCAT and FAO recommendations.

3.   Update

The Parties shall consult each other within the Joint Committee to update these technical conservation measures on the basis of scientific recommendations.

APPENDIX 3

APPLICATION FORM FOR A FISHING AUTHORISATION

FISHERIES AGREEMENT CAPE VERDE - EUROPEAN UNION

I.   APPLICANT

II   VESSEL IDENTIFICATION

III.   VESSEL TECHNICAL DETAILS

Tonnage (expressed in GT London):

No of fish holds:

Total capacity of fish holds (m3):

Manufacturer:

Model:

Serial number:

Software version:

Satellite operator (MCSP):

IV.   FISHING ACTIVITY

I the undersigned, hereby certify that the information provided in this application is true and correct and given in good faith.

Done at ..., on .../.../...

Applicant's signature: ...

APPENDIX 4

VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM

1.   Vessel position messages — VMS

The first position recorded after entry into the Cape Verdean fishing zone shall be identified by the code ‘ENT’. All subsequent positions shall be identified by the code ‘POS’, with the exception of the first position recorded after departure from the Cape Verdean fishing zone, which shall be identified by the code ‘EXI’.

The FMC of the flag State shall ensure the automatic processing and, if necessary, the electronic transmission of the position messages. The position messages shall be recorded in a secure manner and kept for a period of three years.

2.   Transmission by the vessel in the event of breakdown of the VMS system

The master shall ensure at all times that the VMS of his vessel is fully operational and that the position messages are correctly transmitted to the FMC of the flag State.

In the event of breakdown, the VMS of the vessel shall be repaired or replaced within 30 days. After that period, the vessel shall no longer be authorised to fish in the Cape Verdean fishing zone.

Vessels fishing in the Cape Verdean fishing zone with a defective VMS must communicate their position messages by e-mail, radio or fax to the FMC of the flag State, at least every four hours, and must provide all the compulsory information.

3.   Secure communication of the position messages to Cape Verde

The FMC of the flag State shall automatically send the position messages of the vessels concerned to the FMC of Cape Verde. The FMC of the flag State and of Cape Verde shall exchange their contact e-mail addresses and inform each other without delay of any change to these addresses.

The transmission of position messages between the FMCs of the flag State and of Cape Verde shall be carried out electronically using a secure communication system.

The FMC of Cape Verde shall inform the FMC of the flag State and the Union of any interruption in the reception of consecutive position messages from a vessel holding a fishing authorisation, where the vessel concerned has not notified its exit from the zone.

4.   Malfunction of the communication system

Cape Verde shall ensure the compatibility of its electronic equipment with that of the FMC of the flag State and inform the Union immediately of any malfunction as regards the communication and receiving of position messages with a view to finding a technical solution as soon as possible. The Joint Committee shall deal with any possible dispute arising.

The master shall be considered responsible if a vessel's VMS is found to have been tampered with in order to disturb its operation or falsify its position messages. Any infringement shall be subject to the penalties provided for by the Cape Verdean legislation in force.

5.   Revision of the frequency of position messages

On the basis of documentary evidence proving an infringement, Cape Verde may ask the FMC of the flag State, copying in the Union, to reduce the interval for sending position messages from a vessel to every 30 minutes for a set period of investigation. This documentary evidence must be sent by Cape Verde to the FMC of the flag State and the Union. The FMC of the flag State shall immediately send the position messages to Cape Verde at the new frequency.

At the end of the set investigation period, Cape Verde shall inform the FMC of the flag State and the Union of any monitoring which is required.

6.   Communication of the VMS messages to Cape Verde

The following information is required at the time of transmission to allow the Cape Verdean FMC to identity the issuing FMC:

Each data transmission is structured as follows:

APPENDIX 5

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR RECORDING FISHING ACTIVITIES (ERS)

Recording of fishing data and communication of statements by ERS

Failure of the electronic transmission system on board the vessel or of the communication system

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