# EUR-Lex - 52004PC0218 - EN

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# 52004PC0218

**Proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the Protocol defining for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006 the tuna fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar {SEC(2004)370} /* COM/2004/0218 final - CNS 2004/0070 */ **

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Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION on the conclusion of the Protocol defining for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006 the tuna fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar {SEC(2004)370}

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The Protocol to the Fisheries Agreement between the EC and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar expires on 21 May 2004. A new Protocol defining the technical and financial conditions governing the fishing activities of EC vessels in the waters of Madagascar during the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006 was initialled by both parties on 8 September 2003.

The new Protocol grants fishing opportunities for 40 tuna seiners and 40 surface longliners.

The financial contribution is fixed at EUR825 000 per year, covering an annual catch of 11 000 tonnes of tuna in Malagasy waters. A large portion of this amount (EUR505 000 per year) is earmarked for targeted measures, such as scientific and training programmes, support for an inspection and surveillance system, assistance with the development of traditional fisheries, etc.

While it is in keeping with the tuna agreements concluded by the Community with certain Indian Ocean countries, this new Protocol reinforces the concept of responsible, sustainable fisheries and makes it possible to promote a partnership focussing on compliance with the laws and regulations in force under Madagascar's fisheries policy. New provisions have been introduced to this end: (i) the exclusivity clause, which prohibits the existence of private licences or other private arrangements outside the scope of the Agreement, (ii) a detailed programme for the targeted measures, including a schedule and the objectives to be achieved, (iii) VMS requirements to reinforce checks on vessels operating in Malagasy waters, including the transmission of hourly reports giving their course and speed, (iv) the social clause applicable to local seamen signed on by Community vessels, (v) a section on the penalties imposed for infringements of the Protocol and the Annex thereto, and (vi) a section on safeguarding the marine environment and protected species.

On this basis, the Commission proposes that the Council adopt by Regulation the Protocol defining for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006 the fishing opportunities and the related technical and financial conditions agreed between the EC and Madagascar.

A proposal for a Council Decision on the provisional application of the new Protocol pending its definitive entry into force is the subject of a separate procedure.

2004/0070(CNS)

Proposal for a COUNCIL REGULATION on the conclusion of the Protocol defining for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006 the tuna fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 37 in conjunction with Article 300(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 300(3) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament [1],

[1] OJ C [...], [...], p. [...].

Whereas:

(1) Under the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar [2], the two parties conducted negotiations to determine the amendments or additions to be made to the Agreement at the end of the period of application of the Protocol thereto.

[2] OJ L 73, 18.3.1986, p. 26.

(2) As a result of those negotiations, a new Protocol defining for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006 the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in that Agreement was initialled on 8 September 2003.

(3) It is in the Community's interest to approve that Protocol.

(4) The method of allocating the fishing opportunities among the Member States should be defined on the basis of the traditional allocation of fishing opportunities under the Fisheries Agreement,

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

Article 1

The Protocol defining for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006 the tuna fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.

The text of the Protocol is attached to this Regulation.

Article 2

The fishing opportunities provided for in the Protocol shall be allocated among the Member States as follows:

(a) tuna seiners:

Spain: 22 vessels

France: 16 vessels

Italy: 2 vessels

(b) surface longliners:

Spain: 24 vessels

France: 10 vessels

Portugal: 6 vessels

If licence applications from these Member States do not cover all the fishing opportunities laid down by the Protocol, the Commission may take into consideration licence applications from any other Member State.

Article 3

Member States whose vessels fish under this Protocol are obliged to notify the Commission of the quantities of each stock taken in the Malagasy fishing zone in accordance with the arrangements laid down in Commission Regulation (EC) No 500/2001 of 14 March 2001 [3].

[3] OJ L 73, 15.3.2001, p. 8.

Article 4

The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the persons empowered to sign the Protocol in order to bind the Community.

Article 5

This Regulation shall enter into force on the third day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

PROTOCOL

defining for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006 the tuna fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for in the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar

Article 1

1. Under Article 2 of the Agreement, licences authorising fishing in the Malagasy fishing zone shall be granted to 40 freezer tuna seiners and 40 surface longliners for a period of three years beginning on 1 January 2004.

In addition, at the request of the Community, certain permits may be granted to other categories of fishing vessel under conditions to be defined within the Joint Committee referred to in Article 9 of the Agreement.

2. Vessels flying the flag of a Member State of the European Community may fish for tuna in Madagascar's fishing zone only if they are in possession of a fishing licence issued under this Protocol in accordance with the arrangements described in the Annex.

Article 2

1. The financial contribution referred to in Article 7 of the Agreement shall be fixed at EUR825 000 per year (comprising EUR320 000 in financial compensation, to be paid not later than 30 September for the first year and 30 April for the second and third years, and EUR505 000 for the measures referred to in Article 3 of this Protocol).

However, the financial compensation to be paid for the first year of application of the Protocol (1 January 2004 to 31 December 2004) shall be EUR196 385 following deduction of the amount already paid under the preceding Protocol in respect of the period 1 January 2004 to 20 May 2004.

2. The financial contribution shall cover an annual catch of 11 000 tonnes of tuna in Malagasy waters; if the tuna caught by Community vessels in the Malagasy fishing zone exceeds this weight, the amount referred to above shall be proportionately increased. However, the total amount of the financial contribution paid by the Community shall not be more than twice the amount indicated in paragraph 1.

3. The financial compensation shall be paid into an account opened with the Public Treasury, to be specified by the Malagasy authorities.

Article 3

1. In order to guarantee the development of sustainable, responsible fisheries, the two parties shall in their mutual interest encourage a partnership aimed at promoting in particular: enhanced knowledge of fisheries resources and biological resources, fisheries inspection, development of non-industrial fishing, fishing communities and training.

2. From the financial contribution provided for in Article 2(1), the measures set out below shall be funded to the tune of EUR505 000 per year, broken down as follows:

a) EUR90 000 for Malagasy scientific programmes to improve knowledge of fisheries resources and ensure sustainable management thereof. At the request of the Government of Madagascar, this contribution may take the form of assistance with expenses associated with international meetings to improve such knowledge, as well as management of fisheries resources.

b) EUR267 000 towards a system of fisheries monitoring, inspection and surveillance.

c) EUR60 000 for the financing of study grants and training courses and for the training of seamen.

d) EUR68 000 for assistance with the development of traditional fisheries.

e) EUR20 000 towards the management of observers.

3. The amounts referred to in points (a), (b), (d) and (e) shall be paid to the Ministry responsible for fisheries after a detailed annual programme, including a schedule and the objectives set for each of these targeted measures, has been presented to the European Commission and no later than 30 September 2004 for the first year and 30 April for the second and third years; they shall be paid into the bank accounts of the relevant Malagasy authorities. The annual programme must reach the European Commission by 31 July 2004 for the first year and by 28 February for the following years. However, for the first year, the programme must cover only the period 21 May 2004 to 31 December 2004.

The European Commission reserves the right to request the Ministry responsible for fisheries for any additional information which may be considered necessary.

4. The amounts referred to at (c) shall be disbursed to the Ministry responsible for fisheries and paid, as the funds are used, into the bank accounts indicated by it.

5. The relevant Malagasy authorities shall send the European Commission an annual report on the use of the funds allocated to the measures provided for in paragraph 2 above, and on the implementation of those measures and the results achieved, not later than 31 March of the following year. The European Commission reserves the right to request the Ministry responsible for fisheries for any additional information. In the light of the actual implementation of those measures and after consulting the relevant Malagasy authorities in the context of a meeting of the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Agreement, the European Commission may review the payments concerned.

Article 4

Should the European Community fail to make the payments provided for in Articles 2 and 3, Madagascar may suspend the application of this Protocol.

Article 5

If serious circumstances, with the exception of natural phenomena, prevent the exercise of fishing activities in Madagascar's fishing zone, payment of the financial contribution may be suspended by the European Community following prior consultations between the two parties.

Payment of the financial contribution shall be resumed as soon as normality is restored and after consultations between the two parties confirm that the situation is likely to permit a return to fishing activities.

The validity of the licences granted to Community vessels under Article 4 of the Agreement shall be extended by a period equal to the period during which fishing activities were suspended.

Article 6

The Annex to the Agreement between the European Economic Community and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar on fishing off Madagascar is hereby repealed and replaced by the Annex to this Protocol.

Article 7

This Protocol shall enter into force on the date of its signing.

It shall apply from 1 January 2004.

ANNEX

CONDITIONS GOVERNING TUNA-FISHING ACTIVITIES BY EUROPEAN COMMUNITY VESSELS IN THE MALAGASY FISHING ZONE

1. LICENCE APPLICATION AND ISSUING FORMALITIES

The procedure for applying for and issuing licences authorising European Community vessels to fish in Malagasy waters shall be as follows:

(a) Through its representative in Madagascar, the European Commission shall present simultaneously to the Malagasy authorities:

- a licence application for each vessel, completed by owners wishing to fish under this Agreement, no later than 1 December preceding the year of validity of the licence. By way of derogation from the above provision, vessel-owners who have not submitted a licence application prior to 1 December may do so during the calendar year under way no later than 30 days before the start of the fishing activities. In such cases, vessel owners shall pay the entire fees due for the full year in accordance with point 2(b).

- an annual application for prior authorisation to enter Malagasy territorial waters; such authorisation shall be valid for the duration of the licence.

Licence applications must be made on the form provided by Madagascar for this purpose, in accordance with the specimen given in Appendix 1; they shall be accompanied by proof of payment of the advance chargeable to the vessel-owner.

(b) Licences shall be issued for a specific vessel and shall not be transferable.

However, at the request of the European Commission and in cases of force majeure, a vessel's licence shall be replaced by a new licence for another vessel whose features are similar to those of the vessel to be replaced. The owner of the vessel being replaced shall return the cancelled licence to the Malagasy Ministry responsible for sea fisheries via the European Commission Delegation in Madagascar.

The new licence shall indicate:

- the date of issue,

- the fact that it invalidates and replaces the licence of the previous vessel.

No fee as laid down in Article 5 of the Agreement shall be due for the unexpired period of validity.

(c) The Malagasy authorities shall send the licence to the European Commission representative in Madagascar.

(d) Licences shall be kept on board at all times; however, on receipt of the advance payment notification sent by the European Commission to the Malagasy authorities, vessels shall be entered on a list of vessels authorised to fish, which shall be sent to the Malagasy authorities responsible for fisheries inspection. A copy of the said licence may be obtained by fax pending arrival of the licence itself; that copy shall be kept on board.

(e) Owners of tuna vessels shall be represented by an agent in Madagascar.

(f) Before the Protocol enters into force, the Malagasy authorities shall send the European Commission Delegation in Madagascar full details of the bank accounts to be used for the payment of fees and advances.

2. VALIDITY OF LICENCES AND PAYMENT OF FEES

(a) Notwithstanding Article 4(4) of the Agreement, licences shall be valid for a period of one calendar year, from 1 January to 31 December. They shall be renewable. However, for the first year of application of the Protocol (1 January 2004 to 31 December 2004), where on 1 January 2004 a vessel has a licence issued under the preceding Protocol which is due to expire on 20 May 2004, that licence shall remain valid until that date.

(b) The fee shall be EUR25 per tonne caught in waters under Malagasy jurisdiction. Licences shall be issued in return for the advance payment to the Malagasy Treasury of an annual sum of EUR2 800 per tuna seiner, EUR1 750 per surface longliner of more than 150 GRT and EUR1 200 per surface longliner of 150 GRT or less. These advances correspond to the duties payable in respect of annual catches of 112 tonnes, 70 tonnes and 48 tonnes respectively in the Malagasy fishing zone.

However, for the first year of application of the Protocol (1 January 2004 to 31 December 2004), where on 1 January 2004 a vessel has a licence issued under the preceding Protocol which is due to expire on 20 May 2004, the advances for the unexpired period of that first year (21 May 2004 to 31 December 2004) shall be as follows:

- for tuna seiners: EUR1 720;

- for surface longliners of more than 150 GRT: EUR1 091;

- for surface longliners of 150 GRT or less: EUR735.

3. CATCH DECLARATION AND STATEMENT OF FEES

(a) Vessels authorised to fish in Madagascar's fishing zone under this Agreement shall send information about their catches to Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre through the European Commission Delegation in Madagascar, in accordance with the following procedure:

Tuna seiners and surface longliners shall complete a fishing form corresponding to the specimen given in Appendix 2 for each period spent fishing in Madagascar's fishing zone. The forms shall be sent to the relevant authorities referred to above no later than 31 March of the year following the year for which the licences were valid.

Forms must be completed legibly and be signed by the skipper of the vessel. In addition, they must be completed by all vessels which have obtained a licence, even if they have not fished.

(b) The statement of the fees due for the past calendar year shall be drawn up by the European Commission by 30 June of the year following the year for which the licences were valid, after deducting the advances and fees indicated in point 2(b) above. This statement of fees shall be drawn up using the catch statement based on the catch declarations made by each vessel-owner. The catch statement must be confirmed by the scientific institutes responsible for checking catch data in the Member States of the European Community, such as the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), the Institut Français de Recherche et d'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER), the Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO), the Instituto Português de Investigação Marítima (IPIMAR) and the relevant Malagasy institute, the Antsiranana Tuna Statistical Unit (USTA).

The statement of fees drawn up by the European Commission shall be forwarded to Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre for confirmation. The Surveillance Centre shall have 30 days to notify any reaction.

After that time, the statement of fees shall be forwarded to the vessel-owners.

In the event of a dispute, the parties shall hold consultations within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Agreement to establish the final statement of fees, which shall then be sent to the vessel-owners.

Vessel-owners shall make any additional payments to the Malagasy fisheries authorities within 30 days of notification of the final statement of fees.

Where the statement of fees is lower than the advance referred to in 2(b) above, the resulting balance shall not be reimbursed to the vessel-owner.

4. COMMUNICATIONS

Skippers shall notify Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre, at least three hours in advance, by radio (dual frequency 8755 Tx 8231 Rx USB), by fax (261 - 20 - 22 49014) or by e-mail () with confirmation, of their intention to bring their vessel into or take it out of Madagascar's fishing zone.

When giving notification of their intention to enter the fishing zone, they shall also report the estimated quantities of catches on board, even when no catches have been made.

Finally, when notifying their intention to leave, they shall report on the estimated catches taken during the time they spent in the Malagasy fishing zone.

Radio transmissions shall be made during the working hours and days applicable in Madagascar.

These requirements shall also apply to Community fishing vessels intending to unload at any Malagasy port.

5. OBSERVERS

At the request of the Ministry responsible for fisheries, tuna seiners and surface longliners shall take an observer on board, who shall be treated as an officer. The time spent on board by observers shall be fixed by the Ministry responsible for fisheries, but, as a general rule, it should not exceed the time required to carry out their duties. The observers' specific activities are set out in Appendix 3.

The conditions governing their embarkation shall be defined by the Ministry responsible for fisheries, represented by Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre.

Vessel-owners or their agents shall inform Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre at least two days in advance of their vessel's arrival in a Malagasy port with a view to taking the observer on board.

Vessel-owners shall, via their agents, make a payment of EUR20 to the Malagasy Government (Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre) for each day spent by each observer on board a tuna seiner or surface longliner.

The cost of approaching the Malagasy port of embarkation shall be borne by the Malagasy Government. The cost of taking observers on board and putting them ashore outside Madagascar shall be borne by the vessel-owners. Observers may be taken on board up to 30% of the Community vessels operating in Madagascar's fishing zone. The time spent by observers on board shall depend on the length of the trip in that zone. If a Community vessel fails to go to a Malagasy port to take an observer on board, embarkation shall be carried out using a patrol vessel of Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre.

The spot where the observer is to be transferred and the associated approach costs shall be agreed with Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre, the costs being borne by the vessel-owner.

Transfer of the observer on to another vessel at sea shall be agreed between the skipper of the vessel and the Madagascar Fisheries Surveillance Centre.

If the observer is not present at the time and place agreed and during the 12 hours following the time agreed, vessel-owners shall be automatically absolved of their obligation to take the observer on board. If the vessel is delayed in getting under way, the vessel-owner shall bear the observer's board and lodging costs until the time of actual embarkation.

6. SIGNING-ON OF SEAMEN

(a) At least forty Malagasy seamen shall be employed by the fleet of tuna seiners and surface longliners for the duration of the fishing season in the Malagasy fishing zone. The wages of the seamen employed shall be agreed between the vessel-owners' agents and the seamen concerned. The wages must cover social security benefits.

The employment contracts of those seamen shall be concluded between the agents and the seamen concerned.

A detailed list of the Malagasy seamen signed on (with their names, period of employment, wages, etc.) shall reach the Ministry responsible for fisheries no later than 31 January of the year following that for which the licence was valid.

If the fleet of tuna seiners and surface longliners is unable to employ a total of forty seamen, vessel-owners who have not signed on seamen shall be obliged to pay compensation for the seamen not employed; the amount of the compensation, which shall be payable for the duration of the fishing season in the Malagasy fishing zone, shall be set by the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Agreement. That sum shall be used to train Malagasy fishermen and shall be paid into an account whose number shall be notified to the agents, with a copy being sent to the European Commission Delegation in Madagascar.

(b) The ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work shall apply as of right to seamen signed on by EU vessels. This concerns in particular the freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining, and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

Local seamen's employment contracts, a copy of which shall be given to the signatories, shall be drawn up between the vessel-owners' representative(s) and the seamen and/or their trade unions or their representatives in consultation with the responsible local authorities. These contracts shall guarantee the seamen the social security cover applicable to them, including life assurance and sickness and accident insurance. The wage conditions granted to local seamen/fishermen shall not be lower than those applied to Malagasy crews and shall under no circumstances be below ILO standards.

Where the employer is a local company, the employment contract shall specify the name of the vessel-owner and the name of the flag State.

Furthermore, vessel-owners shall guarantee local seamen who are recruited living and working conditions similar to those enjoyed by the EU seamen.

7. FISHING ZONES

Community vessels shall have access to all waters under Madagascar's jurisdiction beyond twelve nautical miles from the coastline.

Should the Ministry responsible for fisheries decide to install experimental fish concentration devices, it shall inform the European Commission and the agents of the vessel-owners concerned, indicating the geographical position of the devices.

From the thirtieth day after such notification, it shall be forbidden to go within 1.5 nautical miles of those devices. The dismantling of any experimental devices must be reported to the same parties immediately.

8. INSPECTION AND SURVEILLANCE OF FISHING ACTIVITIES

Vessels holding a licence shall allow on board any officials duly authorised by the Republic of Madagascar to inspect and monitor fishing activities and shall assist them in the accomplishment of their duties.

9. SATELLITE MONITORING

Since the Republic of Madagascar has introduced a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for its own fleet and intends to extend this system on a non-discriminatory basis to all vessels fishing in its fisheries zone, and Community vessels have been subject to satellite monitoring wherever they operate under Community legislation since 1 January 2000, it is recommended that the national authorities of the flag States and of the Republic of Madagascar should monitor by satellite as follows vessels fishing under the Agreement:

1) For the purposes of satellite monitoring, the Malagasy authorities have communicated to the Community the coordinates (latitudes and longitudes) of Madagascar's fishing zone (Table I). The map relating to the table of coordinates is attached in Appendix 4.

The Malagasy authorities shall transmit this information in electronic form, expressed in decimal degrees, to the WGS-84 datum system.

2) The parties shall exchange information on X.25 addresses and the specifications for electronic communications between their Control Centres in accordance with the conditions laid down in points 4 and 6. Such information shall include the following wherever possible: names, telephone, telex and fax numbers, and e-mail addresses (Internet or X.400) which may be used for general communications between Control Centres.

3) The position of vessels shall be determined with a margin of error of less than 500 metres and a confidence interval of 99%.

4) When a vessel which is fishing under the Agreement and is the subject of satellite-based monitoring pursuant to Community legislation enters a fishing zone of the Republic of Madagascar, the subsequent position reports shall immediately be transmitted by the Control Centre of the flag State to Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre at intervals of no more than one hour (longitude, latitude, course and speed). The messages concerned shall be identified as Position Reports.

5) The messages specified in point 4 shall be transmitted electronically in X.25 format, without any further protocol. They shall be communicated in real time in the format set out in Table II.

6) Where the continuous satellite-monitoring equipment installed on board a fishing vessel develops a technical fault or breaks down, the skipper of the vessel shall transmit the information specified in point 4 to the Control Centre of the flag State in good time. In such circumstances, a global Position Report shall be sent at 6.00, 12.00 and 18.00 (Madagascar time) while the vessel is in the Malagasy fishing zone. This global position report shall include the position reports as registered by the skipper of the vessel on an hourly basis in accordance with the requirements laid down in point 4.

The Control Centre of the flag State or the fishing vessel shall send these messages immediately to the Fisheries Surveillance Centre. The defective equipment shall be repaired or replaced as soon as the vessel completes its fishing trip or within one month at the latest. After this deadline, the vessel in question may not undertake any further fishing trips until the equipment has been repaired or replaced.

7) The Control Centres of the flag States shall monitor the movements of their vessels in Malagasy waters at two-hourly intervals. If the vessels are not being monitored in accordance with the conditions laid down, the Fisheries Surveillance Centre shall be informed immediately and the procedure laid down in point 6 shall be applicable.

8) If the Fisheries Surveillance Centre establishes that the flag State is not transmitting the information specified in point 4, the other party shall be informed immediately.

9) The surveillance data communicated to the other party in accordance with these provisions is intended solely for the purposes of the Malagasy authorities in controlling and monitoring the Community fleet fishing under the EC/Madagascar Fisheries Agreement. Such data may not under any circumstances be communicated to other parties.

10) The parties agree to take all necessary steps to meet the message requirements laid down in points 4 and 6 as soon as possible, and in no case later than six months after these provisions enter into force.

11) The parties agree to exchange upon request information on the equipment used for satellite monitoring, in order to ensure that each piece of equipment is fully compatible with the requirements of the other party for the purposes of these provisions.

12) Any dispute over the interpretation or application of these provisions shall be the subject of consultation between the parties within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Agreement.

Table I

Coordinates (latitudes and longitudes) of the Madagascar fishing zone

(see also map in Appendix 4)

>TABLE POSITION>

Table II

COMMUNICATION OF VMS MESSAGES TO MADAGASCAR

POSITION REPORT

>TABLE POSITION>

Character set: ISO8859.1

Each data transmission is structured as follows:

- a double slash (//) and field code indicate the start of the message;

- a single slash (/) separates the field code and the data;

Optional data elements have to be inserted between the start and end of the record.

10. TRANSSHIPMENT

When fish are transshipped, freezer tuna seiners shall hand over the fish which they do not intend to keep to a company or body appointed by the Malagasy fisheries authorities.

11. SUPPLY OF SERVICES

Community vessel-owners operating in the Malagasy fishing zone shall practise positive discrimination in favour of Malagasy services (careening, handling, fuel-oil bunkering, consignment, etc.).

The Madagascar authorities shall define the terms for the use of port facilities together with the beneficiaries of the Agreement.

12. PENALTIES

Any breach of this Protocol or of Malagasy fisheries legislation shall be penalised in accordance with the Malagasy laws and regulations in force.

The European Commission shall be informed in writing within forty-eight hours at the latest of any penalty imposed on any Community vessel, and of all the relevant facts concerning the case.

13. BOARDING OF VESSELS

(a) Transmission of information

The Malagasy Ministry responsible for fisheries shall inform the European Commission Delegation and the flag State in writing, within 48 hours, of the boarding of any Community fishing vessel operating under the Agreement in Madagascar's fishing zone and shall transmit a brief report of the circumstances and reasons leading to such boarding. The European Commission Delegation and the flag State shall also be kept informed of any proceedings initiated and penalties imposed.

(b) Settlement of boarding

In accordance with the law on fisheries and the relevant regulations, infringements may be settled:

- either through a compromise procedure, in which case the amount of the fine shall be determined in accordance with Malagasy legislation laying down minimum and maximum figures;

- or by legal proceedings, if no compromise settlement was possible, in accordance with Malagasy law.

(c) The vessel shall be released and its crew authorised to leave the port:

- either as soon as the obligations imposed by the compromise procedure have been completed on presentation of the receipt for the settlement, or

- on presentation of proof that a bank security has been lodged, pending completion of the legal proceedings.

14. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

In the interests of the environment, the two parties undertake to introduce the following measures:

- no vessel may spill oil or derivatives thereof into the Malagasy fishing zone, or throw plastic materials or household waste into that zone;

- responsible fisheries, rational management and the preservation of tuna stocks shall be promoted within the IOTC;

- protected and prohibited species, such as whales, dolphins, turtles and sea birds, may not be caught.

The European Community shall be entrusted with the task of notifying the Ministry responsible for fisheries of any environmentally-unfriendly act committed by any vessel fishing in the Malagasy fishing zone.

Appendix 1

APPLICATION FORM FOR A FISHING LICENCE

1. New application or renewal: .....................

2. Name of vessel and flag: ........................

3. Period of validity: from ........ to ............

4. Name of vessel-owner: ...................

5. Address and fax no. of vessel-owner: .................

6. Name and address of charterer (if different from 4 and 5): .....................

7. Name and address of official representative in Madagascar: ..................

8. Name of skipper of vessel: .................

9. Type of vessel: ..................

10. Registration number: .....................

11. External identification of vessel: ................

12. Port and country of registration: ................

13. Overall length and breadth of vessel: ..............

14. Gross and net tonnage of vessel: ...................

15. Make and power of main engine: ..................

16. Freezing capacity (t/d): ................

17. Hold capacity (m3): .....................

18. Radio call sign and frequency: ......................

19. Other communications equipment (telex, fax): ........

20. Fishing gear: .......................

21. Crew numbers, broken down by nationality: ...........

22. Fishing licence No (in the event of a renewal, attach licence): ....................

I, the undersigned, ......................, certify that the above information is correct and undertake to comply therewith.

..........................

(Stamp and signature of vessel-owner) (Date)

Appendix 2

>TABLE POSITION>

Appendix 3

EMBARKATION OF OBSERVERS

Tuna seiners and surface longliners authorised to fish in the Malagasy fishing zone shall take on board an observer from the Fisheries Surveillance Centre holding a professional identity card and a seaman's licence. The time spent on board by observers shall be fixed by Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre, but, as a general rule, it should not exceed the time required to carry out their duties.

While on board, observers shall:

1. observe, record and report on the fishing activities of vessels in the Malagasy fishing zone;

2. verify the position of vessels engaged in fishing operations;

3. perform biological sampling in the context of scientific programmes;

4. note the fishing gear used;

5. collect the catch data for the fishing zone during their time on board;

6. take all appropriate steps to ensure that the conditions under which they are taken on board and their presence on board do not interrupt or hamper fishing activities;

7. respect the material and equipment on board and the confidentiality of any document belonging to the said vessel;

8. draw up a report on the trip and send it to Madagascar's Fisheries Surveillance Centre, and send a copy to the European Commission Delegation.

To that end, the owners and skippers of fishing vessels must:

1. allow observers to board the vessel to carry out their tasks and remain on board the vessel during the period specified in the request;

2. provide a suitable working environment, including a table with adequate lighting;

3. supply the information they possess on fishing activities in Madagascar's fishing zone;

4. give the vessel's position (longitude and latitude);

5. send or receive messages, or allow messages to be sent and received, using the means of communication on board the vessel;

6. provide access to all parts of the vessel where fishing, processing and storage take place;

7. allow samples to be taken;

8. provide suitable storage facilities for samples, without prejudice to the vessel's storage capacity;

9. provide assistance in examining and measuring the fishing gear on board the vessel;

10. allow observers to remove the samples and documents obtained during their stay on board;

11. where observers remain on board the vessel for more than four hours at a time, provide them with food and accommodation on the same terms as the vessel's officers.

APPENDIX 4: Malagasy fishing zone

>REFERENCE TO A GRAPHIC>

LEGISLATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Policy area(s): 11. Fisheries

Activity (activities): 1103 International Fisheries Agreements

Title of action

New Protocol defining the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution under the EC/Madagascar Fisheries Agreement

1. BUDGET LINE(S) + HEADING(S)

110301 (ex B78000): "International fisheries agreements"

11010404 (ex B78000A): "International fisheries agreements: expenditure on administrative management"

2. OVERALL FIGURES

2.1 Total allocation for action (Part B): min. EUR2 411 385 and max. EUR4 762 770 in commitment appropriations and payment appropriations

2.2 Period of application: 2004-06

2.3 Overall multiannual estimate of expenditure:

(a) Schedule of commitment appropriations/payment appropriations (financial intervention) (see point 6.1.1)

figures in EUR

>TABLE POSITION>

1If annual catches exceed the reference tonnage, the financial contribution will be increased proportionately, at a rate of EUR75 per tonne caught. However, the total amount of the financial contribution may not exceed EUR1 650 000.

(b) Technical and administrative assistance and support expenditure (see point 6.1.2)

>TABLE POSITION>

Subtotal a+b

>TABLE POSITION>

1If annual catches exceed the reference tonnage, the financial contribution will be increased proportionately, at a rate of EUR75 per tonne caught. However, the total amount of the financial contribution may not exceed EUR1 650 000.

(c) Overall financial impact of human resources and other administrative expenditure (cf. points 7.2 and 7.3)

>TABLE POSITION>

TOTAL a+b+c

>TABLE POSITION>

1If annual catches exceed the reference tonnage, the financial contribution will be increased proportionately, at a rate of EUR75 per tonne caught. However, the total amount of the financial contribution may not exceed EUR1 650 000.

2.4 Compatibility with financial programming and financial perspective

X Proposal compatible with existing financial programming

|| This proposal will entail reprogramming of the relevant heading in the financial perspective,

|| including, where appropriate, application of the provisions of the Interinstitutional Agreement.

2.5 Financial impact on revenue

X No financial implications (involves technical aspects regarding implementation of a measure)

3. BUDGET CHARACTERISTICS

>TABLE POSITION>

4. LEGAL BASIS

- Article 37 of the Treaty, in conjunction with Article 300(2) and the first subparagraph of Article 300(3);

- EC/Madagascar Fisheries Agreement (Council Regulation No 780/86/EC of 24 February 1986)

5. DESCRIPTION AND GROUNDS

5.1 Need for Community intervention

5.1.1 Objectives pursued

The Protocol to the Fisheries Agreement between the European Community and the Democratic Republic of Madagascar currently in force will expire on 20 May 2004.

The purpose of this renewal is to enable Community vessel-owners to continue fishing (particularly for tuna) in Malagasy waters in accordance with the arrangements set out in the Protocol which was initialled by the Commission, on behalf of the Community, and the Malagasy delegation at the end of the negotiation held in Antananarivo from 4 to 8 September 2003.

It should be noted that the new Protocol will enter into force on 1 January 2004 at the request of the Republic of Madagascar, which considered certain technical provisions to be out of date and requiring revision.

While it is in keeping with the tuna agreements concluded by the Community with certain Indian Ocean countries, this new Protocol reinforces the concept of responsible, sustainable fisheries and makes it possible to promote a partnership focussing on compliance with the laws and regulations in force under Madagascar's fisheries policy.

The general objective of the Fisheries Agreement between the EC and Madagascar is to promote transparent, sustainable management of fisheries resources in order to contribute effectively to the development of the national economy.

In a context in which national capacities for exploiting fisheries resources are limited, the Fisheries Agreement is of benefit to both the Member States' fisheries and the Republic of Madagascar. It also reinforces the Community support granted to this sector from other additional sources of financing (Stabex Fund). The Fisheries Agreement and the quality of the negotiations underlying it extend beyond the purely commercial aspects and contribute to partnership relations, the overall objective of which is to develop trade.

The specific objectives of Community support to the fisheries sector (through Stabex instruments and good governance support) may be summed up as follows:

- support for developing fishing plans based on the scientific evaluation of stocks of targeted species;

- updating of legal texts relating to the development of the fishing effort and the operation of the fisheries monitoring centre;

- harmonisation of fisheries protocols and transparency in the issue of licences for the different types of fisheries on the basis of the above-mentioned fisheries plans;

- Institutional reorganisation and reinforcement of capacities so that the granting of fishing opportunities and the carrying out of inspection and surveillance are independent of one another, and operations can continue as a result of income from fisheries.

5.1.2 Measures taken in connection with ex-ante evaluation

An evaluation of the proposal for the conclusion of a new Protocol, for the period 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2006, to the Fisheries Agreement between the EC and Madagascar has been carried out by DG FISH on the basis of, in particular, information gathered from different sources, namely that supplied by DG DEV, the Commission Delegation in Antananarivo and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).

A summary of the ex ante evaluation is attached to this financial statement. Its conclusions may be summed up as follows:

- Although, in terms of the budget and catches, the Fisheries Agreement with Madagascar is relatively modest, it is of essential importance to private Community operators since it is part of a network of agreements on tuna fishing in the Indian Ocean which has become necessary on account of the highly migratory nature of tuna. The Community has accordingly concluded similar agreements with the Seychelles (the most important agreement, covering 45 000 tonnes of tuna), Mauritius and the Comoros. An equivalent agreement is to be concluded shortly with Tanzania and the Commission is planning to enter into negotiations with Kenya.

- This Agreement is also vital to the Malagasy economy since it constitutes an important source of currency and creates jobs for local seamen in the processing and monitoring sectors.

- Fisheries activities in Madagascar's exclusive economic zone are to some extent unregulated, which explains the growth of illegal fishing by Asian fleets in particular. As long as this situation persists, the Government of Madagascar will continue to lose out on the foreign exchange earnings from such activities and its tuna stocks will be at risk from overfishing. It is, therefore, both in the Government's interest and its duty to monitor fisheries activities more effectively. The Fisheries Agreement could help combat this situation by financing measures aimed at checking and monitoring foreign fleets.

5.1.3 Measures taken following ex-post evaluation

The ex-post evaluation of the 2001-2004 Protocol shows that use of fishing opportunities in terms of licences was highly satisfactory for both tuna seiners (approximately 83.5%) and surface longliners (approximately 75%), as illustrated by the table below. (Total fishing opportunities under the 1998-2001 Protocol covered 40 tuna seiners and 40 surface longliners).

Utilisation of the EC/Madagascar tuna Agreement

(number of vessels)

Tuna seiners

>TABLE POSITION>

Surface longliners

>TABLE POSITION>

In terms of catches, the rate registered by the Community fleet during the period 1998-2000 was close to that calculated on the basis of the reference rate (83.5%). This indicates a highly satisfactory rate of use of the opportunities granted to Community operators (see table below).

Utilisation of the EC/Madagascar tuna Agreement

(annual catches declared, in tonnes - seiners and surface longliners)

>TABLE POSITION>

The information supplied by scientific sources indicates that the fluctuation in terms of catches is due mainly to the migratory nature of tuna stocks.

As regards the state of stocks, monitoring of migratory species in the Indian Ocean is carried out by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC). The IOTC Scientific Committee issues opinions on the basis of which the IOTC adopts resolutions applicable to all members. The EC and Madagascar are members of the IOTC and are accordingly bound by any resolution which it adopts.

No resolution has been drawn up to date by the IOTC on specific conservation measures for tuna or any other migratory species. The current state of stocks does not require TACs or quotas to be introduced in the region in question.

Catches of the species fished most in the Indian Ocean in 2000 amounted to 393 000 tonnes for skipjack, 304 000 tonnes for yellowfin tuna and 131 000 for bigeye tuna (828 000 in all) (source: Fifth session of the IOTC Scientific Committee held from 2 to 6 December 2002 in the Seychelles). A reference tonnage of 11 000 tonnes in the Malagasy exclusive economic zone (as provided for in the 2001-2004 Protocol) cannot, according to scientific opinion, have an adverse effect on the state of resources at either national or regional level given that the Community fleet's catch rate in Madagascar's exclusive economic zone represents an average of only about 4% of the fleet's total catches in the Indian Ocean.

Finally, it has been noted that there is a need to make provision in the Protocol for additional controls which would guarantee closer monitoring of the fisheries activities of Community and foreign vessels in the Malagasy fisheries zone.

Elements which have been amended, remained unaltered or been inserted in the new Protocol following the ex-post evaluation are set out below.

- Classic elements

Fishing opportunities, the reference tonnage, the financial contribution, advances and fees paid by vessel-owners, the system for managing licences and other technical measures are all part of the protocols which the Community concludes with other third countries and are the outcome of negotiations with the partner country:

- Fishing opportunities: on the basis of the information available and the satisfactory use made of the existing Protocol, the new Protocol makes provision for the same fishing opportunities as previously, namely 40 tuna seiners and 40 surface longliners.

- Reference tonnage: also remains unaltered at 11 000 tonnes a year. Leaving the reference tonnage unchanged is justified since a feature of tuna fishing which is directly related to the highly migratory nature of the species is the fact that the actual catches in a given zone can vary very significantly from one fishing season to the next.

- Financial contribution: the annual amount of the financial contribution is fixed at EUR825 000, comprising EUR320 000 in financial compensation and EUR505 000 for targeted measures (as in the previous Protocol).

- Advances and fees payable by vessel-owners:

- such advances and fees amount to EUR25 per tonne of tuna caught in the Malagasy fishing zone, as in all the agreements concluded by the Community in the region;

- advances have been increased in relation to the previous Protocol: EUR2 800 (instead of EUR2 500) per year per tuna seiner, EUR1 750 (instead of EUR1 500) per year per surface longliner of over 150 GRT and EUR1 200 (instead of EUR1 100) per year per surface longliner of 150 GRT or less. These advances correspond to the duties payable in respect of annual catches of 112 tonnes, 70 tonnes and 48 tonnes respectively in the Malagasy fishing zone. This represents an increase of around 10% after 3 years (2001-2004), which may be considered moderate and is the outcome of a reasonable negotiation.

- New elements

New provisions have been introduced with responsible, sustainable fisheries in mind. These provisions are aimed in particular at checking and monitoring the Community fleet more closely, and would entail more effective controls for all foreign fleets operating in the Malagasy fisheries zone:

(i) the exclusivity clause, which prohibits the existence of private licences or other private arrangements;

(ii) a detailed programme for the targeted measures, including a schedule and the objectives to be achieved;

(iii) additional VMS requirements to reinforce checks on vessels operating in Malagasy waters, including the transmission of hourly reports giving their course and speed;

(iv) the social clause applicable to local seamen signed on by Community vessels;

(v) a section on the penalties imposed for infringements of the Protocol and the Annex thereto; and

(vi) a section on safeguarding the marine environment and protected species.

- Cost-benefit ratio for the Community

The main costs incurred by the EC are the financial contribution paid by the Community and the licence fees paid by Community vessel-owners to the Malagasy Government and the Ministry responsible for fisheries.

The Agreement is advantageous to the Community in that the average level of catches far exceeds the cost of the Protocol. The new Protocol makes provision for the overall cost (including the cost to the EC and to vessel-owners using licences) to be maintained at the same level as in the preceding Protocol, namely a unit cost of EUR100 for each tonne of tuna caught (in keeping with all the agreements concluded by the Community in the Indian Ocean).

The Community's financial contribution will be calculated as a fraction of this cost (EUR75), multiplied by the reference tonnage (EUR75 x 11 000 tonnes = EUR825 000). Vessel-owners' fees will be based on the amount of actual catches, multiplied by a fraction of this cost (EUR25). Thus, if Community vessel-owners' catches in Malagasy waters for 2004 were to amount to 11 000 tonnes (assuming that 100% use were made of the reference tonnage), the Commission would pay EUR825 000 and vessel-owners EUR275 000, i.e. a total of EUR1 100 000.

Skipjack prices on the world market fell substantially in 1999, reaching US $400/tonne in Bangkok. Prices picked up again at the beginning of 2000: US $750/tonne.

The price of yellowfin was US $1 000/tonne in 2002. The price of Indian Ocean or Atlantic yellowfin is higher than that of Pacific yellowfin. However, the price gap has diminished in recent years (source: GLOBEFISH Databank, tuna prices - exports - imports - catches - consumptions, 2002).

If, in the above example, the 11 000 tonnes of tuna had been sold, they would have fetched a price of EUR9 625 000 (based on an average price of EUR875 per tonne). Consequently, the benefit would have been EUR8 525 000, i.e. 7.75 times the amount paid to Madagascar by the Community and vessel-owners combined.

In addition to the direct market value of catches for the vessels concerned, the Agreement entails other advantages for the Community and Madagascar:

- creation of jobs for local and European seamen on Community vessels;

- the multiplier effect on employment at ports, in the processing of fisheries products and in industry, etc. in the Community and in Madagascar;

- contribution towards the supply of fish in the Community and for the population of Madagascar.

In addition, the guidelines defined by the Council relating to the negotiation of fisheries agreements with the ACP countries specify the need to take account of the Community's interest in maintaining or establishing fisheries relations with the countries concerned.

- Targeted measures

As regards the implementation of the targeted measures provided for in Article 3 of the 2001-2004 Protocol, an examination of the annual utilisation reports presented by the Malagasy authorities shows that the objectives of the targeted measures have been attained to a satisfactory extent.

The results achieved so far may be summed up as follows:

Scientific programmes (allocation EUR240 000): a trip aimed at studying the fisheries management system in Australia was financed from this programme. An initial instalment of EUR80 000 was released following the approval of the programme proposed late in May 2003. The funds will be partly allocated to the Antsiranana Tuna Statistical Unit (USTA) in order to reinforce capacity for analysing statistics, with a budget of EUR30 000; they will also be partly allocated to the National Prawn Research Programme in order to finance further research: seminar on the development of prawn resources in 2003, trip aimed at studying the prawn management system in Mozambique and trip aimed at studying fisheries management in Australia. Staff allowances and certain research measures will be paid over and above FDHA (Fishing and Fish Farming Development Fund) and AFD (Agence Française de Développement) funding: social economy, biology and population dynamics (marking of prawns, marking of juveniles and monitoring of stocks). The estimated budget for the National Prawn Research Programme is EUR210 000.

Surveillance (allocation of EUR801 000): surveillance is the largest item in terms of financial allocations and constitutes a political priority of the ministry responsible for fisheries. The Fisheries Surveillance Centre was set up in 1999 and, with the backing of permanent technical assistance, has substantially increased its capacity to intervene. A budget of EUR256 000 is allocated in the support programme to running the Centre, which is part-financed by Stabex and the Fishing and Fish Farming Development Fund, in accordance with a specific protocol signed in April 2002. This programme has been approved and payment of this amount is awaited. The amounts outstanding on the first two instalments and on the last instalment will be the subject of a complementary programme, which will be proposed before the expiry date of the Protocol. Patrols at sea are carried out by two vessels, which spent a total of 217 days at sea and inspected 93 fishing vessels in 2002. Other missions are carried out by speedboats (4 zodiacs) attached to the surveillance vessels and by flying squads. Aerial surveillance also enables a large number of vessels to be observed (48 observations in the course of 6 flights). Lastly, regional inspectors are responsible for checking establishments, landings and collection permits. The satellite monitoring system now covers all vessels operating in the fisheries sector (non-industrial fishing, and support and collection vessels) in the waters under Malagasy jurisdiction in accordance with Decree 1613/2002 of 31 July 2002. Since February 2002 the Centre has had an Inmarsat-M4 terminal in order to reinforce its communication capacities, particularly on the X25 network used by the European fleet. The funding provided under the Fisheries Agreement is used to invest in communication and data-processing equipment, to mobilise national or international technical or legal expertise and to train the Centre's staff and other persons working in the sector. The financial resources provided also enable the Centre to participate in regional cooperation missions. The size of the exclusive economic zone and the extent of the coastal area, however, still require appreciable funding in order to establish a minimum surveillance system which could be run at a tolerable cost, to be covered by the operation of the industry. The Centre is still in an investment phase (there are also plans to purchase a surveillance vessel) and is thus partially funded by the Fishing and Fish Farming Development Fund and Stabex, which will allocate EUR510 000 and EUR957 000 respectively for the current financial year.

Non-industrial fisheries (appropriation of EUR210 000): this is being implemented on the basis of two priorities: (1) purchase of equipment and technical facilities (canoes, engines, installation of a cold room, etc); (2) the creation of a partnership system between collection companies and traditional fishermen who are isolated and far from communication lines, to ensure that fisheries products reach the markets. The funds have been used to purchase a cold room and fishing boats and to operate back-up services for Ministry staff. The second funding instalment of EUR70 000 was released following the proposal of a programme in December 2002. The authorities now wish to use these funds to promote the use of new fishing boats (particularly fibreglass craft to replace wooden canoes).

Training (appropriation of EUR300 000): a training plan was proposed in October 2002. Approval of this plan resulted in the payment of two initial instalments of EUR200 000. Training modules were organised: conducting meetings, fisheries and aquaculture terminology, surveillance and statistics, enhancing the value of and marketing fisheries and aquaculture products, maritime and continental fishing, in which 67 people participated. Payment of the last instalment is scheduled with a view to providing training in marine and continental fishing, budgetary management, planning and inspection through the installation of instrument panels.

5.2 Action envisaged and budget intervention arrangements

In view of the specific features of tuna fisheries, the Community pays a fixed amount in direct proportion to an expected catch weight (reference tonnage), calculated on the basis of the average catches recorded during previous years and adjusted where necessary according to the number of vessels authorised to fish. If the expected catch weight is exceeded, an additional amount is paid by the Community. If the expected catch is not achieved, the non-member country keeps the amount initially paid.

Under the new Protocol the EC will pay an annual financial contribution of EUR825 000 (as under the previous Protocol). Of this amount, 60% (EUR505 000) will be earmarked for financing targeted measures aimed at supporting the Madagascar fisheries sector (financing of scientific programmes; support for a fisheries monitoring, inspection and surveillance system; financing of study grants and training courses; assistance for traditional fisheries; support for the management of observers). These amounts are to be paid to the Malagasy authorities following the presentation, examination and acceptance by the Commission of a detailed annual programme, including a schedule and the objectives set for each of these targeted measures. When this programme is examined, account will be taken in particular of the compatibility of the various measures with activities carried out at regional level, such as the tuna tagging programme (financed by the EC in the context of the 9th EDF Regional Indicative Programme: approximately EUR14 million), under the responsibility of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.

The above-mentioned amounts for targeted measures and the amount of the financial contribution (EUR320 000 per year) are to be paid before 30 April each year to the Ministry responsible for fisheries via an account opened with the Public Treasury, to be specified by the Malagasy authorities.

5.3 Methods of implementation

Implementation of the Protocol concerned is the sole responsibility of the Commission and will be undertaken by its officials both in Brussels and in its Delegation in Madagascar.

6. FINANCIAL IMPACT

6.1 Total financial impact on Part B (over the entire programming period)

6.1.1 Financial intervention

Commitments in EUR

>TABLE POSITION>

1If annual catches exceed the reference tonnage, the financial contribution will be increased proportionately, at a rate of EUR75 per tonne caught. However, the total amount of the financial contribution may not exceed EUR1 650 000.

6.1.2. Technical and administrative assistance, support expenditure and IT expenditure

>TABLE POSITION>

6.2. Calculation of costs by measure envisaged in Part B (over the entire programming period)

Commitments in EUR

>TABLE POSITION>

(1) Total minimum and maximum cost since the duration of the Protocol is three years

7. IMPACT ON STAFF AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENDITURE

7.1. Impact on human resources

>TABLE POSITION>

7.2 Overall financial impact of human resources

>TABLE POSITION>

The amounts are total expenditure for twelve months.

7.3 Other operating expenditure deriving from the action

>TABLE POSITION>

The amounts are total expenditure in respect of the action for twelve months.

(1) Specify the type of Committee and the group to which it belongs.

I Annual total (7.2 + 7.3) // EUR35 660

II. Duration of action // 3 years

III. Total cost of action (I x II) // EUR106 980

8. FOLLOW-UP AND EVALUATION

8.1 Follow-up system

Regular monitoring already existed under the previous Protocols between the EC and Madagascar and is also provided for under the new Protocol. Utilisation of licences is closely monitored and information on catches is gathered regularly.

The financial compensation (EUR320 000 per annum) is to be paid before 30 April each year into an account opened with the Public Treasury, to be specified by the Malagasy authorities. The State of Madagascar is solely responsible for the use to which this compensation is put.

The amounts allocated to financing targeted measures (EUR505 000) are to be paid to the Ministry responsible for fisheries in annual instalments on the basis of the breakdown given in Article 3(1) of the Protocol. These amounts are to be paid to the Malagasy authorities following the presentation, examination and acceptance by the Commission of a detailed annual programme, including a schedule and the objectives set for each of these targeted measures.

The amounts earmarked for financing study grants and training courses are to be paid as the funds are used.

A report on the use of the funds allocated to the targeted measures is to be presented to the Commission within three months of each anniversary date of the Protocol. The Commission is entitled to request additional information and to review the payments concerned in the light of the actual implementation of the projected measures.

The new requirement that the Malagasy authorities are to submit an annual programme prior to implementing the targeted measures will enable the Commission to monitor those measures more effectively by comparing that programme with the annual reports on the utilisation of the funds allocated.

8.2 Arrangements and schedule for evaluations

Before the new Protocol expires, it will be the subject of an evaluation which will take account of the direct economic indicators (catches and catch values), indicators of the effects (number of jobs created and maintained, and relationship between the cost of the Protocol and the value of catches) and indicators of the impact on the ecosystem.

9. ANTI-FRAUD MEASURES

Since the financial contributions are paid by the Community in direct exchange for the fishing opportunities offered, the third country uses them for whatever end it chooses. However, it is required to report to the Commission, as provided for in the Protocol, on the use of certain funds. All the measures referred to in Article 3 of the Protocol are the subject of an annual report on their implementation and the results obtained. The Commission reserves the right to request additional information on the results achieved and to review payments in the light of the actual implementation of the measures.

In addition, the Member States whose vessels operate under this Agreement must certify to the Commission the accuracy of the data indicated in the tonnage certificates of the vessels so that the licence fees may be calculated on a guaranteed basis.

The Protocol also requires Community vessels to fill out catch declarations (which must be transmitted to the Commission and the Malagasy authorities), which then serve as the basis for drawing up the final annual statement of catches under the Protocol and of fees.

The technical arrangements under the new Protocol provide for greater rigour in the transmission of information on the satellite positioning and catches of vessels and the checking of that information by a satisfactory number of observers on board the vessels in the Community fleet.

DOCUMENT DE TRAVAIL DES SERVICES DE LA COMMISSION -

EVALUATION EX-ANTE DE LA PROPOSITION DE CONCLURE UN NOUVEAU PROTOCOLE, POUR LA PERIODE 1ER JANVIER 2004 AU 31 DECEMBRE 2006, A L'ACCORD DE PECHE ENTRE LA C.E. ET MADAGASCAR {COM(2004)218 final}

Introduction

Une évaluation ex ante de la proposition de conclure un nouveau protocole, pour la période du 1er janvier 2004 au 31 décembre 2006, à l'accord de pêche entre la CE et Madagascar a été faite par les services de la DG Pêche, sur base, notamment, des informations recueillies à partir de différentes sources, à savoir celles fournies par la DG DEV, la Délégation de la Commission à Antananarivo, la Commission de Thon de l'Océan Indien (CTOI).

Les acteurs et les parties impliquées sont présentés ci-après :

Présentation des acteurs pris en compte

Acteurs et parties intéressés // Responsabilités et domaine d'intérêt

1. Commission Européenne // Administration de l'accord de pêche avec Madagascar, responsabilité dans le contrôle de la délivrance des licences, de la déclaration des captures et, d'une manière générale, au respect de toutes les dispositions de l'accord et du protocole y annexé ;

Paiement de la contrepartie financière à Madagascar après examen des actions programmées et des résultats acquis ;

Administration de l'assistance technique et autres programmes d'aides à Madagascar (par d'autres DG).

2. Opérateurs de pêche UE // Paiement de licences pour pêcher à Madagascar ;

Opération de flottes de pêches à Madagascar.

3. Industrie de la pêche UE // Importation, transformation et distribution de thon provenant de Madagascar.

4. Pêcheurs UE // Membres des équipages des bateaux européens pêchant dans les eaux malgaches.

5. Dépenses du gouvernement malgache // Dépenses liées aux pêches et aux programmes et projets de pêche à Madagascar ;

Politiques : infrastructures et organisation pour le secteur industriel de la pêche à Madagascar ;

Représentation de Madagascar au niveau régional (notamment au sein de la CTOI) et international ;

Rapport d'activité auprès de la CE et dépenses dans le cadre de l'accord de pêche CE/Madagascar.

6. Revenu du gouvernement malgache // Contrepartie financière versée par la CE et paiement des licences.

7. Secteur de la pêche à Madagascar // Principalement pêche artisanale malgache ;

Pêche industrielle (crevettière) malgache d'intérêts français et japonais ;

Transformation (fumage) et distribution locale ;

Activités de transformation de thon et des crevettes (emballage, congélation) pour l'export en Europe.

8. Services portuaires à Madagascar // Services portuaires (réparations, ravitaillement, approvisionnement en carburant, stockage froid) ;

9. Contrôle et surveillance à Madagascar // Système de suivi par satellite (Vessels Monitoring System), géré par le Centre de surveillance des pêches.

Surveillance par la mer (1 patrouilleur et 6 vedettes).

1. Besoins à satisfaire (à court, moyen et long terme)

L'accord de pêche bilatéral avec Madagascar est à l'origine, en Europe et dans le pays tiers, d'activités économiques importantes, liées non seulement à l'exploitation des ressources halieutiques mais également au développement d'activités associées.

Pour chacun des acteurs précités, les besoins suivants ont été identifiés en rapport avec l'accord de pêche :

Besoins des différents acteurs/parties

>TABLE POSITION>

Les besoins à court terme correspondent à des besoins qui existent déjà et qui devraient être pris en compte dans tout accord de pêche. Les besoins à long terme sont ceux qui détermineront l'évolution et le développement du secteur de la pêche à Madagascar à 5-10 ans.

2. Objectifs à atteindre, résultats escomptés et indicateurs nécessaires à leur évaluation

L'accord de pêche avec Madagascar a permis à la CE d'établir des relations stables avec ce pays depuis 1986 dans le domaine de la pêche. L'intérêt pour la Communauté d'entretenir ces relations est évident.

L'accord, qui fait partie d'un réseau d'accords thoniers dans l'Océan Indien, vise à maintenir une présence européenne dans les activités de pêche dans la région et de protéger ainsi les intérêts du secteur européen de la pêche. Il constitue également le cadre nécessaire à l'exploitation durable des ressources de thon dans l'Océan Indien.

Le but du renouvellement du protocole à l'accord de pêche pour une période de 3 ans (1.1.2004 - 31.12.2006) est de permettre aux armateurs communautaires de poursuivre les activités de pêche thonière dans les eaux malgaches.

Le protocole proposé, tout en s'inscrivant dans la lignée des accords thoniers conclus par la Communauté avec certains pays de l'Océan Indien, renforcerait le concept de l'exercice d'une pêche responsable et durable et permettrait de promouvoir une relation de partenariat axée sur le respect des dispositions législatives et réglementaires de la politique nationale de Madagascar en matière de pêche.

Dans un contexte où les capacités nationales d'exploitation des ressources sont limitées, l'accord de pêche procure des intérêts partagés entre les pêcheries des états membres et la République de Madagascar. Il renforce également les appuis communautaires à ce secteur bénéficiant d'autres sources de financement complémentaires (fonds STABEX). L'accord de pêche et la qualité des négociations qui le sous-tendent dépassent les enjeux purement commerciaux et contribuent aux relations de partenariat dont l'objectif global demeure le développement des échanges économiques.

Les objectifs spécifiques des appuis communautaires au secteur de la pêche (au travers des instruments STABEX et appuis à la bonne gouvernance) peuvent être résumés comme suit :

- Appui au développement de plans de pêche fondés sur l'évaluation scientifique des stocks des espèces ciblées ;

- Mise à jour des textes réglementaires en relation avec l'évolution de l'effort de pêche et l'opérationnalité du centre de surveillance des pêches ;

- Harmonisation des protocoles de pêche et transparence dans la délivrance des licences pour les différents types de pêcheries en référence aux plans de pêche ci-dessus mentionnés ;

- Réorganisation institutionnelle et renforcement des capacités, pour une indépendance entre l'octroi de droits de pêche et l'exercice de contrôle et de surveillance, une pérennité du fonctionnement à partir des revenus de la filière pêche.

Le protocole à l'accord de pêche CE/Madagascar proposé devra prendre en compte les objectifs suivants :

Objectifs à prendre en compte dans le nouveau protocole

>TABLE POSITION>

3. Valeur ajoutée de l'intervention communautaire

L'absence d'initiatives communautaires visant à garantir à long terme des activités durables de la flotte de pêche lointaine entraînerait, à moyen terme, la réduction progressive de la flotte communautaire qui passerait non par le déchirage des bateaux mais plus vraisemblablement par un changement de pavillon, au profit notamment de pavillons de complaisance et/ou par la multiplication d'accords de pêche privés.

Dans le cas où des licences privées seraient cédées aux opérateurs par les autorités malgaches, rien ne garantit que la contrepartie financière profiterait au secteur de la pêche du pays tiers et à ses acteurs, sur le modèle des actions ciblées par la Communauté.

Il faut éviter une telle situation qui entraînerait une réduction substantielle du rôle de la politique communautaire dans les pêcheries extérieures et la disparition de la pêche lointaine européenne, ce qui, à son tour réduirait la capacité de la Communauté à honorer et à mettre en oeuvre les engagements qu'elle a pris au niveau international.

4. Risques et options alternatives

La mise en place d'un nouveau protocole de pêche s'accompagne forcément d'un certain nombre de risques. Le tableau suivant résume ces risques et suggère des mesures à mettre en place pour tenter de les contrôler.

Risques liés aux propositions et options alternatives

Risques // Options alternatives

Fraude : les revenus de Madagascar (montants destinés au financement des actions ciblées et redevances des armateurs) ne sont pas alloués comme convenu. // Améliorer le suivi par la CE des revenus et des dépenses.

Introduire une programmation annuelle ou pluri-annuelle préalable aux actions financées, suivie par un examen à posteriori des résultats.

Les flottes asiatiques continuent d'ignorer les licences et autres contrôles. // Améliorer les activités de contrôle des patrouilles ou aérien et renforcer le suivi par satellite (VMS - Vessels Monitoring System) ;

Faire appliquer les lois et les réglementations malgaches par la poursuite, les amendes, la confiscation des équipements.

Les pêcheurs artisanaux continuent d'être marginalisés, leur part des captures et leur revenu n'augmentent pas. // Financer des mesures en leur faveur.

Manque d'investissement (local ou étranger) dans les opérations de valeur ajoutée locale.

// Encourager les flottes étrangères d'utiliser les facilités portuaires locales ;

Revoir les lois et les initiatives en faveur de l'investissement ;

Revoir le facteur coût (eau, électricité...).

La responsabilité pour ces options incombera principalement à la CE et au gouvernement malgache.

5. Leçons tirées des expériences précédentes

L'évaluation ex-post du protocole 2001-2004 montre que l'utilisation des possibilités de pêches en termes des licences a été très satisfaisante tant pour la catégorie des thoniers senneurs (environ 83,5 %) que pour la catégorie des palangriers de surface (environ 72,5%), comme le démontre le tableau ci-dessous. (Les possibilités de pêche totales inscrites dans le protocole 1998-2001 correspondent à 40 thoniers senneurs et 40 palangriers de surface).

Utilisation de l'accord thonier CE/Madagascar

(nombre de navires)

Thoniers senneurs

>TABLE POSITION>

Palangriers de surface

>TABLE POSITION>

Du point de vue des captures, il est à signaler que, pendant la période 1998-2000, le taux de captures de la flotte communautaire est proche du taux calculé sur le tonnage de référence (83,5 %). Ceci indique une utilisation très satisfaisante des possibilités octroyées aux opérateurs communautaires (voir tableau ci-dessous).

Utilisation de l'accord thonier CE / Madagascar

(captures annuelles déclarées, en tonnes - senneurs et palangriers)

>TABLE POSITION>

Les informations fournies par les sources scientifiques indiquent que la fluctuation en termes de captures est due principalement au caractère migratoire des stocks de thon.

En ce qui concerne l'état des stocks, le suivi des espèces migratoires dans l'Océan Indien est assuré par la Commission de Thon de l'Océan Indien (CTOI). Le Comité scientifique de la CTOI délivre des avis, sur base desquels la CTOI adopte des résolutions, applicables à tous ses membres. La CE et Madagascar sont membres de la CTOI et de ce fait liés à toute résolution adoptée par celle-ci.

A ce jour aucune résolution concernant des mesures particulières de conservation n'a été formulée par la CTOI sur le thon ou sur d'autre espèce migratoire. La situation actuelle des stocks ne nécessite pas la mise en place de TAC ou quotas dans la région en question.

Les captures dans l'Océan Indien pour l'année 2000 pour les espèces les plus fréquentées étaient de 393.000 tonnes pour le listao, de 304.000 tonnes pour le albacore et de 131.000 tonnes pour le patudo (828.000 tonnes en total) (source : rapport de la 5ème session du Comité scientifique de la CTOI, Seychelles, 2-6 décembre 2002). Un tonnage de référence de 11.000 tonnes dans la ZEE malgache (tel que prévu au protocole 2001-2004) ne peut, sur base des avis scientifiques, avoir d'impact négatif sur l'état de ressources, ni au niveau national ni au niveau régional, étant donné que le taux de capture de la flotte communautaire dans la ZEE de Madagascar ne représente en moyenne qu'environ 4% des captures totales de la flotte communautaire dans l'Océan Indien.

Enfin, il a été constaté un besoin d'insérer dans le protocole des dispositions de contrôle complémentaires, qui assureraient un meilleur suivi des activités de pêche des navires communautaires et étrangers dans la zone de pêche malgache.

Les éléments modifiés, restés inchangés ou insérés dans le nouveau protocole suite à l'évaluation ex post sont présentés ci-après.

- Eléments classiques

Les possibilités de pêche, le tonnage de référence, la contrepartie financière, les avances et redevances des armateurs, le système de gestion des licences et d'autres mesures techniques, font partie de tous les protocoles que la Communauté conclue avec des pays tiers et sont le résultat d'une négociation avec le pays partenaire :

- Possibilités de pêche : sur base des informations disponibles et de l'utilisation satisfaisante du protocole existant, il est prévu, d'accorder dans le nouveau protocole les mêmes possibilités de pêche que précédemment, à savoir 40 thoniers senneurs et 40 palangriers de surface.

- Tonnage de référence : reste également le même : 11.000 tonnes par an. Le maintien du tonnage de référence est justifié, car une caractéristique de la pêche thonière, directement liée au caractère hautement migratoire du thon, est que le niveau des captures dans une zone déterminée peut connaître des fluctuations très importantes d'une campagne de pêche à l'autre.

- Contrepartie financière : Le montant de la contrepartie financière est fixé annuellement à 825.000 euros, dont 320.000 euros de compensation financière et 505.000 euros pour les actions ciblées (comme dans le protocole précédent).

- Avances et redevances des armateurs :

- les redevances des armateurs se montent à 25 EUR par tonne de thon capturé dans la zone de pêche malgache, comme dans tous les accords conclus par la Communauté dans la région ;

- les avances ont été augmentées par rapport au protocole précédent : 2.800 EUR (au lieu de 2.500 EUR) par an par thonier-senneur, 1.750 EUR (au lieu de 1.500 EUR) par an par palangrier de surface de plus de 150 TJB et 1.200 EUR (au lieu de 1.100 EUR) par an par palangrier de surface égal ou inférieur à 150 TJB. Ces montants anticipatifs correspondent respectivement aux droits dus pour 112 tonnes, 70 tonnes et 48 tonnes de captures annuelles dans la zone de pêche malgache. Il s'agit d'une augmentation d'environ 10 % après 3 ans (2001-2004) qui peut être considérée comme modérée et qui est la conséquence d'une négociation raisonnable.

- Nouveaux éléments

De nouvelles dispositions ont été introduites dans un souci de pêche responsable et durable. Ces dispositions visent notamment à renforcer le contrôle et la surveillance de la flotte communautaire, et entraîneraient un meilleur suivi de toutes les flottes étrangères opérant dans la zone de pêche malgache :

i) la clause exclusive, qui interdit l'existence parallèle à l'accord de pêche communautaire de licences privées ou d'autres arrangements privés ;

ii) une programmation détaillée pour les actions ciblées avec l'inclusion d'un échéancier et des objectifs escomptés ;

iii) des nouvelles dispositions complémentaires sur le VMS renforçant le contrôle des navires opérant dans les eaux malgaches, notamment la transmission toutes les heures avec cap et vitesse ;

iv) la clause sociale applicable aux marins locaux embarqués sur les navires communautaires ;

v) une section sur les sanctions imposées pour les infractions aux dispositions du protocole et de son annexe, et

vi) une section relative à la protection de l'environnement marin et a celle des espèces protégées.

- Actions ciblées

En ce qui concerne la réalisation des actions ciblées prévues à l'article 3 du protocole 2001-2004, après examen des rapports d'utilisation annuelles présentés par les autorités malgaches quant à la réalisation des objectifs des actions ciblées, il s'avère que ces derniers sont satisfaisants.

Les résultats obtenus jusqu'ici peuvent être résumés comme suit :

Programmes scientifiques (dotation EUR 240 000) : Un voyage d'étude sur le système de gestion des pêcheries en Australie a été financé sur ce programme. Une première tranche de 80 000 euros a été débloquée, suite à l'approbation du programme proposé tardivement en mai 2003. Les fonds seront alloués d'une part : à l'Unité Statistique Thonière d'Antsiranana (USTA) pour renforcer les capacités d'analyse des statistiques avec un budget de 30 000 euros ; d'autre part au Programme National de Recherche crevettière (PNRC) pour financer la valorisation de la recherche : séminaire sur l'aménagement de la ressource crevettière 2003, mission d'étude du système de gestion crevettière au Mozambique, mission d'étude sur la gestion des pêcheries en Australie. Les indemnités du personnel et certaines actions de recherche seront prises en charge, en complément des financements FDHA et AFD : socio-économie, pêche traditionnelle, biologie et dynamique des populations (marquage de crevettes, marquage de juvéniles, suivi des stocks). Le budget prévisionnel du PNRC est de 210 000 euros.

Surveillance (dotation EUR 801.000) : Le volet surveillance est le plus important en termes de dotation financière et représente une des priorités politiques du Ministère en charge des Pêches. Le Centre de Surveillance des Pêches est créé depuis 1999 et a considérablement développé ses capacités d'intervention avec le concours d'une assistance technique permanente. Un budget de 256 000 est engagé dans le programme d'appui au fonctionnement du Centre, co-financé sur fonds STABEX et FDHA, dans les termes d'un protocole spécifique signé en avril 2002. Cette programmation a été approuvée et le versement de ce même montant est attendu. Les reliquats des deux premières tranches ainsi que celui de la dernière tranche feront l'objet d'une programmation complémentaire qui sera proposée avant la date d'expiration du protocole. Les patrouilles en mer sont assurées par 2 navires qui ont totalisé 217 jours de mer et contrôlé 93 navires de pêche en 2002. D'autres missions sont assurées par les unités rapides (4 zodiacs) rattachées aux navires de surveillance ainsi que par les brigades mobiles. La surveillance aérienne permet également d'observer un grand nombre de navires (48 observations pour 6 survols). Enfin des agents de surveillance régionaux sont chargés de contrôler les établissements, les embarcations et les permis de collecte. Le système de suivi par satellite est à présent généralisé pour tout navire opérant dans le secteur de la pêche (pêche artisanale, navires d'appui et de collecte) à l'intérieur des eaux sous juridiction malagasy par arrêté 1613/2002 du 31 juillet 2002. Le centre dispose depuis février 2002 d'un terminal Inmarsat M4 pour renforcer ses capacités de communication, en particulier sur le réseau X25 utilisé par la flotte européenne. Les fonds de l'accord de pêche sont utilisés pour les investissements en matériel de communication et matériel informatique, pour mobiliser des expertises techniques ou juridiques nationales et internationales et pour assurer la formation des agents du centre ainsi que celle des professionnels du secteur. Les moyens financiers mis à disposition permettent également la participation du Centre à des missions de coopération régionale. La taille de la ZEE et l'étendue de la zone côtière nécessitent cependant des financements encore importants pour un système minimum de surveillance, dont le coût de fonctionnement resterait supportable et pris en charge sur le fonctionnement de la filière. Le Centre est encore dans une phase d'investissement (l'acquisition d'un navire de surveillance est d'ailleurs envisagée) et bénéficie ainsi de cofinancements FDHA et STABEX engagés respectivement pour l'exercice en cours, à hauteur de 510 000 et 957 000 Euros.

Pêche traditionnelle (dotation EUR 210.000) : Ce volet est développé sur deux axes : 1) achat d'équipement et installations techniques (pirogues, moteurs, installation d'une chambre froide etc.) ; 2) mise en place d'un système de partenariat entre des sociétés de collecte et des pêcheurs traditionnels, isolés et écartés des axes de communications, pour assurer l'écoulement des produits de la pêche vers les marchés. Les fonds ont été utilisés pour l'acquisition d'une chambre froide et d'engins de pêche, et pour le fonctionnement des services d'appui du personnel du Ministère. La deuxième tranche de financement de 70 000 euros a été débloquée suite à la programmation proposée en décembre 2002. Les autorités souhaitent à présent utiliser ces fonds pour promouvoir l'utilisation de nouveaux engins de pêche (en particulier les embarcations en fibre de verre en substitution aux pirogues en bois).

Formation (dotation EUR 300.000) : Un plan de formation a été proposé en octobre 2002. Son approbation a donné lieu au versement des deux premières tranches de 200 000 euros. Des modules de formation ont été organisés : animation de réunion et terminologies appliquées à la pêche et l'aquaculture, surveillance et statistiques, valorisation et commercialisation des produits de pêche et d'aquaculture, pêche maritime et continentale, auxquels ont participé 67 personnes. Le versement de la dernière tranche est prévu afin de dispenser les formations prévues en aquaculture marine et continentale, en gestion budgétaire, planification et contrôle par la mise en place de tableaux de bord.

En résumé, les leçons suivantes peuvent être tirées de l'évaluation ex post du protocole précédent, et ont été considérées dans la conception du nouveau protocole :

- Il n'y a pas lieu de modifier dans le nouveau protocole les possibilités de pêche. Le tonnage de référence, et la compensation financière à la charge du budget de l'UE, restent donc au même niveau.

- En ce qui concerne la réalisation des actions ciblées prévues au protocole 2001-2004, après examen des rapports d'utilisation annuelles présentés par les autorités malgaches quant à la réalisation des objectifs escomptés, il s'avère que ces derniers sont satisfaisants. Toutefois, un meilleur suivi depuis la phase de leur planification pourrait être envisagé.

- Les mesures de contrôle et de surveillance de la pêche dans la ZEE malgache étaient insuffisantes jusqu'en 1998, quand un système de surveillance par satellite (le seul opérationnel actuellement dans l'Océan Indien) a été mis en oeuvre. Depuis lors la pêche illégale a été réduite. Toutefois, un renforcement des autres moyens complémentaires de surveillance serait nécessaire.

- Le manque de données sur les activités de pêche à Madagascar rend difficile la mesure exacte des activités et des résultats du secteur de la pêche.

6. Éléments liés aux aspects coût-efficacité

En ce qui concerne les aspects coût-efficacité de l'accord, les principaux coûts pour la CE sont dus aux paiements de la contrepartie financière de la part de la Communauté et aux paiements des licences par les armateurs communautaires en faveur du gouvernement malgache et du ministère chargé des pêches.

L'accord est bénéficiaire pour la Communauté dans la mesure où le niveau moyen des captures dépasse largement le coût du Protocole. Au sein du nouveau protocole, il est prévu de maintenir le même coût global (incluant le coût pour la CE et celui pour les armateurs utilisateurs des licences) que dans le protocole précédent, à savoir un coût unitaire pour chaque tonne de thon capturée équivalent à 100 EUR (comme dans tous les accords conclus par la Communauté dans l'Océan indien).

La contrepartie financière de la Communauté sera calculée sur base d'une fraction de ce coût (75 EUR) multiplié par le tonnage de référence (75 EUR x 11.000 tonnes = 825.000 EUR). La redevance des armateurs sera basée sur les captures réelles effectuées multipliées par une fraction de ce coût (25 EUR). Ainsi, dans l'hypothèse où les captures des armateurs communautaires dans les eaux malgaches pour l'année 2004 se montent à 11.000 tonnes (utilisation fictive de 100 % du tonnage de référence) la Communauté payerait 825.000 EUR et les armateurs 275.000 EUR, soit un total de 1.100.000 EUR.

Les prix pour le listao dans le marché mondial a eu une baisse importante en 1999, pour atteindre les US$ 400/tonne à Bangkok. Les prix ont vu une hausse début 2000 : US$ 750/tonne.

Le prix pour l'albacore était de US$ 1000/tonne en 2002. Le prix de l'albacore originaire de l'Océan Indien ou de l'Atlantique est plus élevé que l'albacore du Pacifique. Toutefois, l'écart du prix a diminué ces dernières années (source : GLOBEFISH Databank, tuna prices - exports - imports - catches - consumptions, 2002).

Si, dans l'exemple précédent, les 11.000 tonnes de thon avaient été commercialisées, elles auraient atteint un prix de 9.625.000 EUR (en prenant comme prix moyen 875 EUR par tonne). Il en résulte que le bénéfice aurait été de 8.525.000 EUR, soit 88,6 % par rapport au coût du thon payé à Madagascar par la Communauté et par les armateurs ensemble.

En plus de la valeur commerciale directe des captures pour les navires concernés, l'accord apporte d'autres bénéfices pour la Communauté et pour Madagascar :

- création de postes d'emploi pour des marins locaux et européens sur les navires communautaires ;

- l'effet multiplicateur sur l'emploi sur les ports, dans la transformation des produits de pêche, l'industrie etc. à la Communauté et à Madagascar ;

- contribution à l'approvisionnement du poisson dans la Communauté et pour la population malgache.

Par ailleurs, les orientations définies par le Conseil concernant la négociation des accords de pêche avec les pays ACP précisent la nécessité de prendre en compte l'intérêt de la Communauté à maintenir ou à établir des relations en matière de pêche avec les pays concernés.

7. Système de suivi et évaluation dans le future

Un suivi régulier existait déjà pour les protocoles précédents entre la CE et Madagascar et est aussi prévu dans le cadre du nouveau protocole. L'utilisation des licences est étroitement suivie et des données sur les captures sont régulièrement collectées. Pour ce qui concerne les actions ciblées, une programmation annuelle détaillée, incluant un échéancier et les objectifs escomptés de chacune des ces actions, doit être présenté par le pays partenaire qui sera examiné par la Commission avant que les paiements soient effectués. En plus, la CE et Madagascar peuvent se réunir pour toute question concernant la mise en oeuvre du protocole, à tout moment, dans le cadre d'une commission mixte afin de veiller à la bonne application du protocole.

Quant à l'évaluation, avant l'expiration du nouveau protocole au 31 décembre 2006, celui-ci sera soumis à une évaluation qui devra tenir compte à la fois des indicateurs économiques directs (captures et valeur des captures), des indicateurs de l'incidence (nombre d'emplois créés et maintenus et relation entre le coût du protocole et la valeur des captures) et des indicateurs de l'impact sur l'écosystème.

Conclusions

- Même si du point de vue budgétaire et du volume des captures, l'accord de pêche avec Madagascar reste relativement modeste, son importance pour les opérateurs privés communautaires est essentielle en raison de son appartenance à un réseau d'accords de pêche de type thonier dans l'Océan indien, réseau rendu nécessaire par le caractère hautement migratoire du thon. Ainsi, la Communauté a passé des accords du même type avec les Seychelles (accord le plus important avec 45 000 tonnes de thon), Maurice et les Comores. Un accord équivalent devrait être conclu prochainement avec la Tanzanie et la Commission envisage d'ouvrir des négociations avec le Kenya.

- Cet accord est également vital pour l'économie malgache, car il constitue une source importante de devises, et crée des postes d'emploi des marins locaux, dans le secteur de la transformation et de la surveillance.

- Les activités de pêche dans la Zone Exclusive Economique de Madagascar sont dans une certaine mesure non régulées, ce qui explique le développement d'une pêche illégale notamment de la part des flottes asiatiques en particulier. Tant que cette situation se maintiendra, le gouvernement de Madagascar continuera à voir lui échapper les rentrées de devises découlant de cette activité et cours aussi le risque d'une surexploitation de ses stocks de thon. Le gouvernement a donc un intérêt et il est de son devoir de prendre des mesures pour imposer un meilleur contrôle des activités de pêche. L'accord de pêche pourrait contribuer à la lutte contre cette situation en finançant des mesures de contrôle et de surveillance des flottes étrangères.

Tous ces facteurs partagent un intérêt dans la mise en place d'un nouveau protocole qui reconnaisse les besoins de chacun.