PROTOCOL

setting out the fishing opportunities and the financial contribution provided for by the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Mauritius

Article 1

Period of application and fishing opportunities

1. For a period of three (3) years, the fishing opportunities granted under Article 5 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement shall be as follows:

Highly migratory species (species listed in Annexe 1 to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)

2. Paragraph 1 of Article 1 shall apply subject to Articles 5 and 6 of this Protocol.

3. Under Article 6 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, and Article 7 of this Protocol, vessels flying the flag of a Member State of the European Union may engage in fishing activities in Mauritius’ waters only if they are in possession of a fishing authorisation issued under this Protocol in accordance with the Annex hereto.

Article 2

Financial contribution — Methods of payment

1. For the period referred to in Article 1, the total financial contribution referred to in Article 7 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement shall be EUR 1 980 000 for the whole duration of this Protocol.

2. This total financial contribution shall comprise:

an annual amount for access to Mauritius’ waters of EUR 357 500 equivalent to a reference tonnage of 5 500 tonnes per year, and

a specific amount of EUR 302 500 per year for the support and implementation of Mauritian sectoral fisheries policy and maritime policy.

3. Paragraph 1 of Article 2 shall apply subject to Articles 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this Protocol.

4. The European Union shall pay the total amount referred in paragraph 2(a) and 2(b) of Article 2 (i.e. EUR 660 000 per year) each year during the period of application of this Protocol. Payment shall be made no later than sixty (60) days after this Protocol’s entry into force for the first year, and no later than the anniversary date of this Protocol for the following years.

5. If the overall quantity of catches of tuna by European Union vessels in Mauritius’ waters exceeds 5 500 tonnes per year, the amount of the annual financial contribution for access rights shall be increased by EUR 65 for each additional tonne caught. However, the total annual amount paid by the European Union shall not be more than twice the amount indicated in paragraph 2(a) of Article 2 (EUR 715 000). Where the quantities caught by European Union vessels in the Mauritius’ waters exceed the quantities corresponding to twice the total annual amount, the amount due for the quantity exceeding that limit shall be paid the following year in line with the provisions of the Annex.

6. Mauritius shall have full discretion regarding the use of the financial contribution specified in paragraph 2(a) of Article 2.

7. The financial contribution shall be paid into a single Public Treasury account in Mauritius opened with the Central Bank of Mauritius. The account number shall be provided by the Mauritius authorities.

Article 3

Promoting responsible fishing and sustainable fisheries in Mauritius’ waters

1. As soon as this Protocol enters into force and no later than three months after that date, the European Union and Mauritius shall agree, within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, on a multiannual sectoral programme and detailed implementing rules covering, in particular:

annual and multiannual guidelines for using the specific amount of the financial contribution referred to in paragraph 2(b) of Article 2;

the objectives, both annual and multiannual, to be achieved with a view to introducing, over time, responsible fishing and sustainable fisheries, taking account of the priorities expressed by Mauritius in its national fisheries and maritime policy, and other policies relating to or having an impact on the promotion of responsible fishing and sustainable fisheries, including marine protected areas;

2. Any proposed amendments to the multiannual sectoral programme shall be approved by both Parties within the Joint Committee.

3. Each year, Mauritius may allocate, if necessary, an additional amount to the financial contribution referred to in paragraph 2(b) of Article 2 with a view to implementing the multiannual programme. This allocation shall be notified to the European Union.

Article 4

Scientific cooperation on responsible fishing

1. The two Parties hereby undertake to promote responsible fishing in Mauritius’ waters based on the principle of non-discrimination between the different fleets fishing in those waters.

2. During the period covered by this Protocol, the European Union and Mauritius shall endeavour to monitor the state of fishery resources in the Mauritius’ waters.

3. Both Parties shall endeavour to respect the resolutions, recommendations and, when appropriate, the relevant management plans adopted by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) regarding conservation and responsible management of fisheries.

4. Based on the recommendations and resolutions taken within the IOTC and the best available scientific advice and, where appropriate, the results of the joint scientific meeting provided for by Article 4 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, the two Parties may consult each other within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement and, where necessary, agree on the measures to ensure sustainable management of Mauritius’ fisheries resources.

Article 5

Adjustment of fishing opportunities by mutual agreement

1. The fishing opportunities referred to in Article 1 may be adjusted by mutual agreement insofar as the recommendations and resolutions of IOTC support that such an adjustment will secure the sustainable management of tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean.

2. In this case the financial contribution referred to in paragraph 2(a) of Article 2 shall be adjusted proportionately and pro rata temporis. However, the total annual amount paid by the European Union shall not be more than twice the figure indicated in paragraph 2(a) of Article 2.

3. Both Parties shall notify each other in writing of any changes in their respective fisheries policies and legislations.

Article 6

New fishing opportunities

1. In the event that European Union fishing vessels become interested in engaging in fisheries not provided for in Article 1 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement, the Parties shall consult each other before any possible authorisation is granted for any such activities and, where appropriate, agree on the conditions for such fishing including effecting corresponding amendments to this Protocol and the Annex thereto.

2. The Parties should encourage experimental fishing, especially relating to under exploited deep water species, present in Mauritius’ waters. To this end, and at the request of one Party, the Parties shall consult each other with a view to determining on a case to case basis, the species, conditions and other relevant parameters.

3. The Parties shall carry out experimental fishing in accordance with parameters that will be agreed by both Parties in an administrative arrangement where appropriate. The authorisations for experimental fishing should be agreed for a maximum period of 6 months.

4. In the event that the Parties consider that experimental campaigns have given positive results, the Government of Mauritius may allocate fishing possibilities of the new species to the European Union fleet until the expiration of this Protocol. The financial compensation mentioned in paragraph 2(a) of Article 2 of this Protocol shall consequently be increased. Ship-owners’ fees and conditions as provided for in the Annex shall be amended accordingly.

Article 7

Conditions governing fishing activities — Exclusivity clause

Without prejudice to Article 6 of the Fisheries Partnership agreement, European Union’s vessels may fish in Mauritius’ waters only if they are in possession of a valid fishing authorisation issued by Mauritius under this Protocol and the Annex hereto.

Article 8

Suspension and review of the payment of the financial contribution

1. Notwithstanding the provisions laid out in Article 9 of this Protocol, the financial contribution referred to in paragraphs 2 (a) and (b) of Article 2 shall be reviewed or suspended after consultation between the two Parties provided that the European Union has paid in full any amounts due at the time of suspension:

following significant changes in the policy guidelines of either one of the Parties affecting the relevant provisions of this Protocol;

if the European Union ascertains a breach of essential and fundamental elements on human rights as laid out by Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement and following the procedure set out in Articles 8 and 96 thereof. In this case, all fishing activities of the EU vessels shall be suspended.

2. The European Union reserves the right to suspend, totally or partially, the payment of the specific contribution provided for in paragraph 2(b) of Article 2, where the results of the sectoral policy support obtained are found to be materially inconsistent with the budgeted programming following the evaluation carried out and consultations within the Joint Committee as provided by Article 3 of this Protocol.

3. Payment of the financial contribution and fishing activities may resume once the situation has returned to the status prior to the occurrence of the above mentioned circumstances and if the two Parties agree to do so following consultation.

Article 9

Suspension of the implementation of the Protocol

1. Implementation of this Protocol shall be suspended at the initiative of either one of the Parties subject to consultations between and agreement of the Parties within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 9 of the Agreement:

in case the European Union fails to make the payments provided for in paragraph 2(a) of Article 2, for reasons not covered by Article 8 of this Protocol;

where a dispute arises between the Parties over the interpretation and implementation of this Protocol and its Annex which cannot be settled;

if either one of the Parties does not respect the provisions laid out by this Protocol and its Annex;

following significant changes in the policy guidelines of either one of the Parties affecting the relevant provisions of this Protocol;

if either one of the Parties ascertains a breach of essential and fundamental elements on human rights as laid out by Article 9 of the Cotonou Agreement, and following the procedure set out in Articles 8 and 96 thereof.

in case of non compliance with the International Labour Organisation Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work as provided in Article 3, paragraph 5 of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement.

2. Suspension of implementation of this Protocol shall require the Party concerned to notify its intention in writing at least three months before the date on which the suspension is due to take effect.

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

Article 10

National law

1. The activities of European Union fishing vessels in Mauritius’ waters are subject to the laws and regulations of Mauritius unless otherwise provided under this Protocol and the Annex thereof.

2. The authorities of Mauritius shall inform the European Commission of any changes or new legislation regarding the fishery policy.

Article 11

Confidentiality

The Parties shall ensure that, at any time, all data relating to EU vessels and their fishing activities in the Mauritius’ waters will be treated as confidential. These data are used exclusively for the implementation of the Agreement and for the purposes of fisheries management, monitoring, control and surveillance with the relevant competent authorities.

Article 12

Electronic exchanges of data

Mauritius and the European Union will undertake to implement the necessary systems for the electronic exchange of all information and documents related to the implementation of the Agreement. The electronic form of a document at any point will be considered equivalent to the paper version.

Both Parties will immediately notify any disruption of a computer system impeding such exchanges. In those circumstances, the information and documents related to the implementation of the Agreement shall be automatically replaced by their paper version in the manner defined in the Annex.

Article 13

Duration

This Protocol and the Annex thereto shall apply for a period of three (3) years from its entry into force, unless notice of termination is given in accordance with Article 14.

Article 14

Termination

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

2. Dispatch of the notification referred to in the previous paragraph shall open consultations by the Parties.

Article 15

Entry into force

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

ANNEX

CONDITIONS FOR THE EXERCISE OF FISHING ACTIVITIES BY EUROPEAN UNION VESSELS IN MAURITIUS WATERS

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. Designation of competent authority

For the purposes of this Annex and notwithstanding any indication to the contrary, any reference to the European Union (EU) or to Mauritius as a competent authority shall mean:

— For the EU: the European Commission, where applicable via the EU delegation in Mauritius;

— For Mauritius: the Ministry of Fisheries.

2. Mauritius’ waters

All the provisions of the Protocol and its annexes apply exclusively to Mauritius’ waters as indicated in Appendix 2.

3. Bank account

Mauritius shall notify the EU before the entry into force of the Protocol of the details of the bank account(s) into which the financial sums payable by EU vessels under the Agreement should be paid. The inherent costs linked to bank transfers shall be borne by ship-owners.

CHAPTER II

TUNA FISHING AUTHORISATIONS

1. Condition for obtaining a tuna fishing authorisation – eligible vessels

The tuna fishing authorisations referred to in Article 6 of the Agreement shall be issued on the condition that the vessel is included in the EU register of fishing vessels in the list of authorized fishing vessels of the IOTC and that all previous obligations of the ship-owner, the master, or the vessel itself arising out of fishing activities in Mauritius under the Agreement and the Mauritian fisheries legislation have been met.

2. Application for a fishing authorisation

The EU shall submit to Mauritius an application for a fishing authorisation in respect of any vessel wishing to fish under the Agreement at least twenty-five (25) working days before the start of the period of validity requested using the form attached to this Annex as Appendix 1. The application must be typed or legibly written in block capitals.

For each initial application for a fishing authorisation on the basis of the Protocol in force, or following a technical change to the vessel concerned, the application shall be accompanied by:

(i) the proof of payment of the advance payment fee for the period of validity of the fishing authorisation requested;

(ii) the name, address and contact of: — The owner of the fishing vessel; — The operator of the fishing vessel;

(iii) a recent colour photograph of the vessel, showing a lateral view, and at least 15 cm x 10 cm in size;

(iv) the seaworthiness certificate of the vessel;

(v) the registration certificate of the vessel;

(vi) the contact details of the fishing vessel (fax, e-mail, etc.).

For renewal of a fishing authorisation under the Protocol in force for a vessel whose technical specifications have not been modified, the renewal application shall only be accompanied by proof of payment of the fee.

3. Advance payment fee

The amount of the advance payment fee is set on the basis of the annual rate specified in the technical sheets included in Appendix 2 to this Annex. It shall include all local and national taxes with the exception of port taxes, landing taxes, transhipment taxes and charges for the provision of services.

4. Provisional list of vessels authorised to fish

Once it has received the fishing authorisation applications, the national body responsible for supervising fishing activities shall immediately draw up, for each category of vessel, the provisional list of applicant vessels. This list shall be sent without delay to the EU by the Mauritius competent authority.

The EU shall forward the provisional list to the ship-owner or to the consignee. If the EU offices are closed, Mauritius may send the provisional list directly to the ship-owner or their consignee with a copy to the EU Delegation in Mauritius.

5. Issue of fishing authorisation

Fishing authorisations for all vessels shall be issued to ship-owners or their consignee within twenty (20) working days of receiving the full application by the competent authority. A copy of this fishing authorisation shall be sent immediately to the EU Delegation in Mauritius.

6. List of vessels authorised to fish

Once the fishing authorisation is issued, the national body responsible for supervising fishing activities shall draw up immediately for each category of vessel the final list of vessels which are authorised to fish in the Mauritius waters. This list shall be sent immediately to the EU and shall replace the provisional list mentioned above.

7. Period of validity of the fishing authorisation

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

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

(i) for the first year of application of the Protocol, the period between the date of its entry into force and 31 December of the same year;

(ii) then, each complete calendar year;

(iii) for the last year of application of the Protocol, the period between 1 January and the date of expiry of the Protocol.

For the first and for the last year of the Protocol the advance payment fee should be calculated on the prorata temporis basis.

8. Documents to be carried onboard

While in Mauritius waters or in Mauritius port, the following documents must be carried on board fishing vessel at all times:

(a) the fishing authorization;

(b) documents issued by a competent authority of the flag state of such fishing vessel, showing: — the number under which the fishing vessel is registered, — the vessel certificate of registry;

(c) up-to-date certified drawings or descriptions of the layout of the fishing vessel and in particular, the number of fish holds of the fishing vessels, with the storage capacity expressed in cubic metres;

(d) if any modification was made to the characteristics of the fishing vessel with respect to its length overall, its gross registered tonnage, the horsepower of its main engine or engines or its hold capacity, a certificate, certified by a competent authority of the flag state of the fishing vessel, describing the nature of such modification;

(e) if the fishing vessel is equipped with chilled or refrigerated sea-water tanks, a document certified by a competent authority of the flag state of the vessel indicating the calibration of the tanks in cubic metres;

(f) a copy of Mauritius Fisheries and Marine Ressources Act 2007.

9. Transfer of fishing authorisation

The fishing authorisation shall be issued for a given vessel and shall not be transferable.

However, where force majeure is proven, at the request of the EU, a vessel fishing authorisation may be replaced by a new authorisation, issued for another similar vessel or a substitute vessel, without payment of a new advance payment. In such case, the statement of fees for freezer tuna seiners and surface long liners in Chapter IV shall take into account the total catch of the two vessels in Mauritius’ waters.

The transfer shall involve the fishing authorisation to be replaced being returned by the ship-owner or its consignee in Mauritius and the immediate drawing up by Mauritius of the replacement authorisation as soon as possible. The replacement authorisation shall be issued without further delay to the ship-owner or its consignee when the authorisation to be replaced is returned. The replacement authorisation shall take effect on the day on which the authorisation to be replaced is returned.

Mauritius shall update the list of vessels authorised to fish as soon as possible. The new list shall be sent without delay to the national body responsible for supervising fishing, and to the EU.

CHAPTER III

TECHNICAL MEASURES

Technical measures applicable to the vessels holding a fishing authorisation, relating to Mauritius waters, fishing gear and additional catch, shall be defined for each fishing category in the technical sheets contained in Appendix 2 to this Annex.

The vessels shall respect the fisheries legislation of Mauritius and all the resolutions adopted by the IOTC (Indian Ocean Tuna Commission).

CHAPTER IV

CATCH REPORTING

1. Definition of the fishing trip

For the purposes of this Annex, the duration of a fishing trip by a EU vessel shall be defined as follows:

— the period elapsing between entering and leaving Mauritius’s waters, or

— the period elapsing between entering Mauritius’s waters and a transhipment in port and/or a landing in Mauritius.

2. Fishing logbook

The master of an EU vessel fishing under the Agreement shall keep an IOTC fishing logbook, for which the model for each category of fishing is included in Appendix 3 of this Annex.

The fishing logbook must comply with IOTC resolution 08/04 for longliners and resolution 10/03 for purse seiners.

The fishing logbook shall be completed by the master for each day the vessel is present in Mauritius’ waters.

Each day the master shall record in the fishing logbook the quantity of each species, identified by its code alpha 3 of the FAO, caught and kept on board, expressed in kilograms of live weight or, where necessary, the number of individual fish. For each main species, the master shall also mention the by- catch.

The fishing logbook shall be filled in legibly, in block capitals, and shall be signed by the master.

The master shall be responsible for the accuracy of the data recorded in the fishing logbook.

3. Catch reporting

The master shall notify the vessel’s catch by submitting to Mauritius its fishing logbooks for the period of its presence in the Mauritius waters.

The fishing logbooks shall be transmitted in one of the following ways:

(i) when passing through a port of Mauritius, the original of each fishing logbook shall be submitted to the local representative of Mauritius, who shall confirm receipt thereof in writing; copy of the logbook shall be handed over to the Mauritius inspection team;

(ii) when leaving the Mauritius’ waters without first passing through a Mauritian port, the original of each fishing logbook shall be sent within a period of seven (7) working days after arrival in any other port, and in any case within a period of fifteen (15) working days after leaving the Mauritius’ waters;

(a) by e-mail, to the e-mail address given by the national body supervising fishing activities; or

(b) by fax, to the number given by the national body supervising fishing activities; or

(c) by letter sent to the national body supervising fishing activities.

The master shall send a copy of all the fishing logbooks to the EU and the competent authority of the flag State. For tuna-fishing vessels and surface longliners, the master shall also send a copy of all the fishing logbooks to one of the following scientific institutes:

(i) Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD);

(ii) Instituto Español de Oceanografía (IEO);

(iii) IPIMAR (Instituto Português de Investigação Maritima).

The return of the vessel into the waters of Mauritius within the period of validity of its fishing authorisation shall give rise to further catch reporting.

Where the provisions concerning catch reporting are not observed, Mauritius may suspend the fishing authorisation of the vessel concerned until the missing catch report is obtained and take any action against the ship-owner in accordance with the relevant provisions under the national legislation in force. If the offence is repeated, Mauritius may refuse to renew the fishing authorisation. Mauritius shall inform the EU immediately of any sanction applied in this context.

4. Final statement of fees for the tuna-fishing vessels and surface long liners

For each ocean-going tuna seiner and surface long liner, the EU shall draw up, on the basis of its catch reporting confirmed by the above scientific institutes, a final statement of the fees owed by the vessel in respect of its annual season for the previous calendar year.

The EU shall send this final statement to Mauritius and to the ship-owner before 31 July of the year in progress. Mauritius may contest the final statement, on the basis of documentary proof, within thirty (30) working days of its being sent. In the case of disagreement, the Parties shall consult each other in the Joint Committee. If Mauritius does not object within thirty (30) working days, the final statement shall be considered to be adopted.

Where the final statement is greater than the above-mentionned (point 3 of Chapter II) advance payment fee paid to obtain the fishing authorisation, the ship-owner shall pay the outstanding balance to Mauritius by 30 September of the year in progress. Where the final statement is less than the expected flat-rate fee, the remaining amount shall not be reclaimed by the ship-owner.

CHAPTER V

LANDINGS AND TRANSHIPMENTS

Transhipment at sea are prohibited. All transhipment operations in port are monitored under the presence of Mauritian fishing inspectors.

The master of an EU vessel wishing to land or to tranship must notify Mauritius, at least 72 hours before landing or transhipment, of the following:

(a) the name of the fishing vessel which must land or tranship and its number in the IOTC record of fishing vessels;

(b) the port of landing or transhipment;

(c) the date and time scheduled for the landing or transhipment;

(d) the quantity (expressed in kilograms of live weight or, if necessary, the number of individual fish) of each species to be landed or transhipped (identified by its FAO alpha 3 code);

(e) in the case of transhipment, the name of the receiving vessel.

For the receiving vessels, not later than 24 hours before the beginning and at the end of the transhipment, the master of the receiving carrier vessel shall inform the Mauritian authorities of the quantities of tuna and tuna-like species transhipped to his vessel and complete and transmit the transhipment declaration to the Mauritian authority within 24 hours.

The transhipment operation is subject to a prior authorisation delivered by Mauritius to the captain or its consignee within 24 hours after the above mentioned notification. The transhipment operation must be carried out in a Mauritian port authorised for this purpose.

The designated fishing port where transhipment operations are permitted in Mauritius is Port Louis (port declared to the IOTC under resolution 10/11 and as per Port State Measures requirements).

Non-compliance with these provisions shall lead to the application of the relevant sanctions provided for under the legislation of Mauritius.

CHAPTER VI

CONTROL

1. Entering and leaving Mauritius’ waters

Any entry into or departure from the Mauritius waters of an EU vessel holding a fishing authorisation must be notified to Mauritius within 24 hours prior to entry or exit.

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

(i) the date, time and point of passage scheduled;

(ii) the quantity of each target species held on board, as identified by its FAO alpha 3 code and expressed in kilograms of live weight or, if necessary, the number of individual fish;

(iii) The quantity of each by-catch species as identified by its FAO alpha 3-code and expressed in kilograms of its live weight or, if necessary, the number of individual fish.

Notification shall be given preferably by e-mail or, failing that, by fax, to an e-mail address or a telephone number or a fax number communicated by Mauritius, using the form attached to the Annex as Appendix 4. Mauritius shall confirm receipt thereof immediately by return e-mail or fax

Mauritius shall immediately inform the vessels concerned and the EU of any change to the e-mail address, telephone number or transmission frequency.

Any vessel found to be fishing in the Mauritius waters without having previously notified its presence shall be considered to be an unauthorized fishing vessel.

Any person infringing this provision shall be liable to the penalties and sanctions provided for in the Fisheries and Marine ressources Act 2007.

The entry/exit catch reports must be kept onboard at least for one year from the date of the report transmission.

2. Periodic catch report

When an EU vessel is operating in Mauritius waters, the captain of an EU vessel holding a fishing authorization must notify the Mauritius Authority every three (3) days with the catch made in Mauritius waters. The first catch declaration will start three (3) days after the date of entry in Mauritius waters.

Every three (3) days when notifying its periodic catch report, the vessel shall notify in particular:

(i) the date, time and position on reporting;

(ii) the quantity of each target species caught and held on board during the three (3) days period, as identified by its FAO alpha 3 code and expressed in kilograms of live weight or, if necessary, the number of individual fish;

(iii) the quantity of each by-catch species during the three (3) days period, as identified by its FAO alpha 3 code and expressed in kilograms of live weight or, if necessary, the number of individual fish;

(iv) product presentation;

(v) For tuna Purse seine fishing vessels: — number of successful sets on FAD since last report; — number of successful sets on free school since last report; — number of unsuccessful sets.

(vi) For tuna Long line fishing vessels: — number of sets since last report; — number of hooks deployed since last report.

Notification shall be given preferably by e-mail or, by fax, to an e-mail address or a telephone number communicated by Mauritius, using the form attached to the Annex as Appendix 5. Mauritius shall immediately inform the vessels concerned and the EU of any change to the e-mail address, telephone number or transmission frequency.

Any vessel found to be fishing in the Mauritius waters without having notified its three (3) days periodic catch report shall be considered to be an unauthorized fishing vessel. Any person infringing this provision shall be liable to the penalties and sanctions provided for in the Fisheries and Marine ressources Act 2007.

The periodic catch reports must be kept on board at least one (1) year from the date of the report transmission.

3. Inspection at sea

The inspection at sea in Mauritius’ waters of EU vessels holding a fishing authorisation shall be carried out by vessels and inspectors of Mauritius who are clearly identified as being assigned to carry out fishing checks.

Before going on board, the authorised inspectors shall warn the EU vessel of their decision to carry out an inspection. The inspection shall be carried out by fisheries inspectors, who must provide proof of their identity and official position as an inspector before carrying out the inspection.

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

At the end of each inspection, the authorised inspectors shall draw up an inspection report. The master of the EU vessel shall have the right to make comments in the inspection report. The inspection report shall be signed by the inspector drawing up the report and the master of the EU vessel.

The authorised inspectors shall give a copy of the inspection report to the master of the EU vessel before leaving the vessel. In case of infringement, a copy of the notification of the infringement shall be transmitted also to the EU as provided in chapter VIII.

4. Inspection in port in case of landing and transhipment

The inspection in a port of Mauritius of EU vessels which land or tranship their catch from the Mauritius’ waters shall be carried out by Mauritian inspectors who are clearly identified as being assigned to carry out fishing checks.

Inspectors must provide proof of their identity and official position as an inspector before carrying out the inspection. The Mauritian inspectors shall only stay on board the EU vessel for the time necessary to carry out the tasks related to the inspection and shall conduct the inspection in such a way as to minimise the impact on the vessel, the landing or transhipment operation and the cargo.

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

The Mauritian inspectors shall give a copy of the inspection report to the master of the EU vessel at the end of the inspection.

CHAPTER VII

SATELLITE MONITORING SYSTEM (VMS)

1. Vessel position messages – VMS system

EU vessels holding a fishing authorisation must be equipped with a satellite monitoring system (Vessel Monitoring System – VMS) to enable automatic and continuous communication of their position, every one hour, to the fishing control centre (Fisheries Monitoring Centre – FMC) of their flag state.

Each position message must contain:

(a) the vessel identification;

(b) the most recent geographical position of the vessel (longitude, latitude), with a position error of less than 500 metres, and with a confidence interval of 99 %;

(c) the date and time the position is recorded;

(d) the speed and the course of the vessel.

Each position message must be configured in accordance with the format included in Appendix 4 to this Annex.

The first position recorded after entry into the Mauritius’ waters shall be identified by the code ‘ENT’. All subsequent positions shall be identified by the code ‘POS’, with the exception of the first position recorded after departure from the Mauritius’ waters, which shall be identified by the code ‘EXI’. The FMC of the flag state shall ensure the automatic processing and, if necessary, the electronic transmission of the position messages. The position messages shall be recorded in a secure manner and kept for a period of three years.

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

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

The EU vessels with defective VMS systems are not authorized to enter in the Mauritius’ waters. When already operating in the Mauritius’ waters, in the event of breakdown, the VMS system of the vessel shall be repaired at the end of the trip or replaced within fifteen (15) working days. After that period, the vessel shall no longer be authorised to fish in the Mauritius’ waters.

Vessels fishing in the Mauritius’ waters with a defective VMS system must communicate their position messages by e-mail or fax to the FMC of the flag state and of Mauritius, at least every two hours, and must provide all the compulsory information.

3. Secure communication of the position messages to Mauritius

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

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

The FMC of Mauritius shall inform the FMC of the flag state and the EU of any interruption in the receiving of consecutive position messages from a vessel holding a fishing authorisation, where the vessel concerned has not notified its departure from Mauritius’ waters.

4. Malfunction of the communication system

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

The master shall be considered to be responsible for any proven manipulation of the vessel’s VMS system aimed at disturbing its operation or falsifying its position messages. Any infringement shall be subject to the penalties provided for by Mauritian legislation in force.

5. Revision of the frequency of position messages

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

The FMC of Mauritius shall then immediately notify the Control Centre of the flag State and the European Commission of the end of the inspection procedure;

At the end of the set investigation period, Mauritius shall inform the FMC of the flag state and the EU of any monitoring which is required.

CHAPTER VIII

INFRINGEMENTS

Failure to observe any of the rules and provisions of the Protocol the management and conservation of living resources measures or Mauritius fisheries legislation Mauritius fisheries legislation may be penalized by fines, suspension, revocation or non-renewal of the vessel’s fishing authorization.

1. Treatment of infringements

Any infringement committed in the Mauritius’ waters by an EU vessel holding a fishing authorisation in accordance with the provisions of this Annex must be mentioned in an (inspection) report.

In case of an inspection on board, the signature of the inspection report by the master shall be without prejudice to the ship owner’s right of defence in respect of an infringement. Where the master refuses to sign the inspection report, he shall write in the inspection report the reasons of his refusal with the mention ‘refusal to sign’.

For any infringement committed in Mauritius’ waters by an EU vessel holding a fishing authorization the notification of the infringement defined and the relevant sanctions imposed on the captain or the fishing company shall be sent directly to the shipowners following the procedures set in the Mauritius Fisheries Law. A copy of the notification shall be sent to the flag state of the vessel and to the EU within 72 hours.

2. Detention of a vessel

Where permitted under the Mauritius fisheries legislation regarding the infringement, any EU vessel having committed an infringement may be forced to cease its fishing activity and, where the vessel is at sea, to return to a Mauritian port.

Mauritius shall notify the EU within 24 hours of any detention of an EU vessel holding a fishing authorisation. The notification will provide the reasons of the arrest and/or detention.

Before taking any measure against the vessel, the master, the crew or the cargo, with the exception of measures aimed at protecting evidence, Mauritius shall designate an investigating officer and organise, at the request of the EU, within one working day of notification of the detention of the vessel, an information meeting to clarify the facts which have led to the vessel being detained and to explain what further action may be taken. A representative of the flag state and of the ship-owner of the vessel may attend this information meeting.

3. Penalties for infringements — Compromise procedure

The penalty for the infringement shall be as provided in the Mauritius legislation in force.

In the event that the ship-owner does not accept the fines, a compromise procedure prior to launching the legal procedures shall be undertaken between the Mauritian authorities and the EU vessel to settle the issue amicably. A representative of the flag state of the vessel may participate in this compromise procedure. The compromise procedure shall finish at the latest 72 hours after the notification of the detention of the vessel.

4. Legal proceeding – Bank guarantee

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

The bank security shall be released and returned to the shipowner without delay after the judgment has been given:

(a) in full, if no penalty has been imposed;

(b) for the amount of the remaining balance, if the penalty is a fine which is lower than the amount of the bank security.

Mauritius shall inform the EU of the outcome of the legal proceedings within 8 days of the judgement being given.

5. Release of the vessel and the crew

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

CHAPTER IX

SIGNING-ON OF SEAMEN

1. Number of seamen to sign on

During their activities in Mauritius’ waters.Ten (10) Mauritian qualified seamen shall embark the EU fleet. The owners of EU vessels shall endeavour to sign on additional Mauritian seamen.

In case of non-embarkation, the ship-owners shall pay a lump-sum equivalent to the salary of the seamen non-embarked for the duration for the fishing campaign in the Mauritius’ waters. In case the fishing cmpaign lasts less than one month, ship-owners shall be required to pay the sum corresponding to one month’s salary.

2. Seamen’s contracts

The employment contract shall be drawn up by the ship-owner or its consignee and the seaman, if necessary represented by their union, in liaison with Mauritius. It shall stipulate in particular the date and port of signing on.

These contracts shall guarantee the seamen the social security cover applicable to them in Mauritius, including life assurance and sickness and accident insurance.

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

The basic working rights laid down in the declaration of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) shall be afforded to Mauritian seamen. 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.

3. Seamen’s wages

The wages of the Mauritian seamen shall be paid by the ship-owner. They shall be set before the fishing authorisation is issued and by mutual agreement between the ship-owner and its consignee in Mauritius.

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

4. Seamen’s obligations

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

CHAPTER X

1. Observation of fishing activities

This observation program shall conform to the provisions provided for in the resolutions adopted by the IOTC (Indian Ocean Tuna Commission).

2. Designated vessels and observers

Mauritius authorities shall draw a list of vessels designated to take an observer on board. This list shall be kept up to date. It shall be forwarded to the European Commission as soon as it has been drawn up.

Mauritius’ authorities shall inform the ship-owners concerned of the name of the observers appointed to be taken on board of their vessel no later than fifteen (15) days before the observer’s planned embarkation date.

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

3. Observer’s salary

The salary and social contributions of the observer shall be borne by the Mauritian authorities.

4. Embarkation conditions

The embarkation conditions for the observer, in particular the duration of presence on board, shall be defined by mutual agreement between the ship-owner or its consignee and Mauritius.

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

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

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

Observers shall be granted access to every facility needed to carry out their duties. They shall have access to means of communication and any documents on board, and to documents relating to the fishing activities of the vessel, in particular the fishing logbook, freeze log and navigation log, and the parts of the vessel directly linked to their duties.

5. Embarkation and landing of observers

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

The ship-owner or its representative shall notify Mauritius, with a notice period of ten (10) days before the embarkation, of the date, time and port of embarkation of the observer. If the observer is embarked in a foreign country, their travel costs to the port of embarkation shall be borne by the ship-owner.

If the observer does not arrive to embark within 12 hours of the date and time set, the ship-owner shall be automatically discharged from its obligation to allow the observer to embark.

It shall be free to leave the port and start fishing operations.

Where the observer is not disembarked in a port of Mauritius, the ship-owner shall bear the costs of accommodation and food during the time the observer is waiting for repatriation flight.

6. Observer’s obligations

Whilst they are on board observers shall:

(a) take all appropriate measures so as not to interrupt or hinder fishing operations;

(b) respect on-board property and equipment;

(c) respect the confidential nature of any document belonging to the vessel.

The observers shall communicate observations by radio, fax or e-mail at least once a week while the vessel is fishing in the Mauritius’ waters, including the quantity of catches and by-catches on board and any other duties as required by the authority.

7. Observer’s report

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

The observer shall send his report to Mauritius, which shall send a copy of it to the EU within fifteen (15) working days of the disembarkation of the observer.