[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |

Brussels, 13.5.2008

COM(2008)242 final

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the conclusion of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012

(presented by the Commission)

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

The Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania have negotiated and initialled, on 13 March 2008, a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

This Protocol has been concluded for a period of four years. It will enter into force on the date on which the Parties notify each other that they have completed the necessary procedures to that end. It will apply with effect from 1 August 2008. It will replace the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution which is in force from 1 August 2006 to 31 July 2008 and tacitly renewable until 31 July 2012.

The Commission's negotiating position was based in part on an evaluation of the use made of the preceding Protocol. This new Protocol accordingly provides for a reduction in fishing opportunities compared with the Protocol in force from 1 August 2006 to 31 July 2008, thus reflecting the reduced requirements of the European fleet and recent scientific advice. Fishing opportunities have been decreased by 25% for the cephalopods category, by 10-50% for the demersal categories and by 43% for the small pelagics category, thus reducing the overall tonnage from 440 000 tonnes per year at present to 250 000 tonnes per year.

This Protocol is aimed at reinforcing economic integration in the fisheries sector through stronger sectoral support, particularly by promoting investment, by European firms inter alios , in the Mauritanian fisheries sector.

On the basis of the sectoral fisheries strategy adopted by the new Mauritanian Government formed following the democratic elections held in March 2007, the current priorities as regards fisheries policy in Mauritania, the objectives to be met, and the annual and multiannual programming to attain them will be identified by mutual agreement with a view to ensuring sustainable and responsible management of the sector.

The financial contribution under the Protocol is set at EUR 86 million, EUR 76 million, EUR 73 million and EUR 70 million for the first, second, third and fourth years respectively. Of this financial contribution, an amount of EUR 11 million, EUR 16 million, EUR 18 million and EUR 20 million for the first, second, third and fourth years respectively will be allocated to financial support for the implementation of the national fisheries policy and will include EUR 1 million per year for support for the Banc d'Arguin National Park (PNBA).

The fishing opportunities provided for in the Agreement have been laid down for eleven categories. The conditions for each licence period are as follows:

- crustaceans (excluding spiny lobster): maximum authorised capacity 9 570 GT (gross tonnage);

- black hake trawlers and longliners: maximum authorised capacity 3 240 GT;

- demersal fisheries – other than trawlers and targeting species other than black hake: maximum authorised capacity 1 162 GT;

- demersal trawlers – targeting demersal species other than black hake, cephalopods and crustaceans: maximum authorised capacity 375 GT;

- cephalopods: maximum authorised capacity 13 950 GT for 32 licences;

- spiny lobsters and crabs: maximum authorised capacity 300 GT for each category;

- tuna fisheries: maximum of 22 licences for seiners and 22 licences for pole-and-line vessels and longliners;

- small pelagics (pelagic freezer trawlers): 17 licences;

- small pelagics (non-freezer vessels): maximum authorised capacity 15 000 GT.

Shipowners' fees have been fixed for each category. It is estimated that shipowners will pay total contributions of around EUR 15 000 000 per year to Mauritania direct.

The Commission is accordingly proposing that the Council adopt by Decision the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol, pending its definitive entry into force.

A proposal for a Council Regulation on the conclusion of the new Protocol is the subject of a separate procedure.

Proposal for a

COUNCIL DECISION

on the conclusion of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

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

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

1. The Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania have concluded a Fisheries Partnership Agreement. That Agreement was approved by Council Regulation (EC) No 1801/2006[1] and entered into force on 5 December 2006.

2. The Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania have negotiated and initialled a Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement for the period 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012.

3. That Protocol replaces the previous Protocol approved by Regulation (EC) No 1801/2006.

4. In order to ensure uninterrupted fishing activities by Community vessels, it is essential that the new Protocol be applied as quickly as possible. The two Parties have therefore initialled an Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of that Protocol from 1 August 2008.

5. It is in the Community's interest to approve that Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters.

6. The method for allocating the fishing opportunities among the Member States should be defined,

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Article 1

The Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012 is hereby approved on behalf of the Community.

The texts of the Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters and of the Protocol are attached to this Decision.

Article 2

1. The fishing opportunities set out in the Protocol shall be allocated among the Member States as follows:

Fishing category | GT or maximum number of licences per licence period | Member State | GT, licences or annual catch ceiling by Member State |

Category 1: Vessels fishing for crustaceans other than spiny lobster and crab | 9 570 GT | Spain | 7 313 GT |

Italy | 1 371 GT |

Portugal | 886 GT |

Category 2: Black hake trawlers and bottom longliners | 3 240 GT | Spain | 3 240 GT |

Category 3: Vessels fishing for demersal species other than black hake with gear other than trawls | 1 162 GT | Spain | 1 162 GT |

Category 4: Freezer trawlers fishing for demersal species | 375 GT | Greece | 375 GT |

Category 5: Cephalopods | 13 950 GT 32 licences | Spain | 24 licences |

Italy | 4 licences |

Portugal | 1 licence |

Greece | 3 licences |

Category 6: Spiny lobster | 300 GT | Portugal | 300 GT |

Category 7: Freezer tuna seiners | 22 licences | Spain | 17 licences |

France | 5 licences |

Category 8: Pole-and-line tuna vessels and surface longliners | 22 licences | Spain | 18 licences |

France | 4 licences |

Category 9: Pelagic freezer trawlers | 17 licences for a reference tonnage of 250 000 tonnes |

Category 10: Crab fishing | 300 GT | Spain | 300 GT |

Category 11: Non-freezer pelagic vessels | 15 000 GT per month, averaged over the year |

2. Under the Protocol, unused category 11 fishing opportunities (non-freezer pelagic vessels) may be used by category 9 (pelagic freezer trawlers) at a maximum rate of 20 licences per month.

3. For category 9 (pelagic freezer trawlers), once the Commission has received an annual fishing plan drawn up by the Member States with details of applications by vessel, it shall forward licence applications to the Mauritanian authorities, inform those authorities whether or not use is to be made of the supplementary quota of 50 000 tonnes over and above the reference quota of 250 000 tonnes and, if relevant, request those authorities to increase the supplementary quota of 50 000 tonnes. The annual fishing plan shall specify for each vessel the months of activity and the estimated catches for each month of activity. For the first year of application of the Protocol, fishing plans shall be sent to the Commission not later than 15 October 2008. From 2009, those plans shall be sent to the Commission not later than 31 January of each year.

If licence applications for category 9 (pelagic freezer trawlers) exceed the maximum permitted number per reference period, the Commission shall give priority to forwarding to the Mauritanian authorities applications from vessels which made most use of licences in the six months preceding the lodging of those applications.

4. For category 11 (non-freezer pelagic vessels), the Commission shall forward licence applications to the Mauritanian authorities once it has received an annual fishing plan from the Member States with details of applications by vessel. This plan shall be sent to the Commission not later than 1 December of the previous year. It shall specify the number of GT planned for each month of activity.

In the event of applications for more than 15 000 GT per month averaged over the year, allocation shall be carried out on the basis of the fishing plans referred to in the first subparagraph.

Article 3

1. The management of fishing opportunities shall be conducted in accordance with Article 20 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2371/2002 of 20 December 2002 on the conservation and sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources under the Common Fisheries Policy[2].

2. If the licence applications from the Member States referred to in Article 2 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 4

Member States whose vessels fish under this Agreement shall notify the Commission of the quantities of each stock caught within the Mauritanian fishing zone in accordance with Commission Regulation (EC) No 500/2001 of 14 March 2001 laying down detailed rules for the application of Council Regulation (EEC) No 2847/93 on the monitoring of catches taken by Community fishing vessels in third country waters and on the high seas[3].

Article 5

The President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the persons empowered to sign the Agreement in the form of an exchange of letters in order to bind the Community.

Done at Brussels,

For the Council

The President

Annex

Agreement in the form of an Exchange of Letters concerning the provisional application of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012

A. Letter from the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

Sir,

I am delighted that Islamic Republic of Mauritania and European Community negotiators have been able to reach agreement on the revision of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012.

The result of these negotiations is an improvement on the earlier Protocol and will strengthen our fisheries relations and establish a true framework of partnership in which to develop a policy for sustainable and responsible fisheries in Mauritanian waters and improved economic integration of Community operators in Mauritania's fishing sector.

To this end, I would propose launching in parallel the procedures for approval and ratification of the texts of the Protocol and its Annexes in accordance with the procedures in force in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the European Community and necessary to their entry into force.

With reference to the Protocol, initialled on 13 March 2008, setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution for the period from 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is willing to apply the Protocol provisionally from 1 August 2008 pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 14 thereof, provided that the European Community is prepared to do likewise.

The European Community shall endeavour to accelerate as far as possible its adoption procedures for the Protocol and its Annexes so that it can pay the first instalment of the financial contribution laid down by Article 2 of the Protocol as soon as possible and in any case before 31 August 2008.

I should be grateful if you would confirm the agreement of the European Community to such a provisional application.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania

B. Letter from the European Community

Sir,

I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today's date which reads as follows:

'Sir,

I am delighted that Islamic Republic of Mauritania and European Community negotiators have been able to reach agreement on the revision of the Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012..

The result of these negotiations is an improvement on the earlier Protocol and will strengthen our fisheries relations and establish a true framework of partnership in which to develop a policy for sustainable and responsible fisheries in Mauritanian waters and improved economic integration of Community operators in Mauritania's fishing sector.

To this end, I would propose launching in parallel the procedures for approval and ratification of the texts of the Protocol and its Annexes in accordance with the procedures in force in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and the European Community and necessary to their entry into force.

With reference to the Protocol, initialled on 13 March 2008, setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution for the period from 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012, I have the honour to inform you that the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania is willing to apply the Protocol provisionally from 1 August 2008 pending its entry into force in accordance with Article 14 thereof, provided that the European Community is prepared to do likewise.

The European Community shall endeavour to accelerate as far as possible its adoption procedures for the Protocol and its Annexes so that it can pay the first instalment of the financial contribution laid down by Article 2 of the Protocol as soon as possible and in any case before 31 August 2008.

I should be grateful if you would confirm the agreement of the European Community to such a provisional application.

Please accept, Sir, the assurance of my highest consideration.

For the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania'

I am pleased to confirm the agreement of the European Community to a provisional application.

For the European Community.

PROTOCOL

setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for in the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania for the period 1 August 2008 to 31 July 2012

Article 1 Period of application and fishing opportunities

1. For a period of four years from 1 August 2008, the fishing opportunities granted under Articles 5 and 6 of the Agreement shall be as laid down in the table attached to this Protocol. These opportunities form part of the overall fishing effort shown in Annex III laid down by the Mauritanian authorities on the basis of available scientific advice and regularly updated.

2. Paragraph 1 shall apply subject to Articles 4 and 5 of this Protocol.

3. Under Article 6 of the Agreement, vessels flying the flag of a Member State of the European Community may fish in Mauritanian fishing zones only if they are in possession of a fishing licence issued under this Protocol in accordance with the Annexes hereto.

Article 2Financial contribution – Methods of payment

1. The financial contribution under Article 7 of the Agreement shall be set at EUR 86 million, EUR 76 million, EUR 73 million and EUR 70 million for the first, second, third and fourth years respectively[4]. Of those amounts, EUR 11 million, EUR 16 million, EUR 18 million and EUR 20 million for the first, second, third and fourth years respectively shall be allocated by Mauritania to financial support for the implementation of the national fisheries policy, as provided for in Article 7(1)(b) of the Agreement, including EUR 1 million per year for support for the Banc d'Arguin National Park (PNBA).

2. In the event of the overall tonnage of 250 000 tonnes per year for category 9 (pelagics) being exceeded, the Community shall pay an additional contribution of EUR 40 per tonne fished.

3. Paragraph 1 shall apply subject to Articles 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 13 of this Protocol.

4. The Community shall pay the financial contribution no later than 31 August 2008 for the first year and no later than 1 August for the following years.

5. The financial contribution shall be paid into a single account held by the Islamic Republic of Mauritania's Public Treasury with the Central Bank of Mauritania, the references of which shall be communicated by the Ministry.

6. Subject to Article 6 of this Protocol, the allocation of this contribution and of the support for the PNBA shall be decided within the framework of the Mauritanian Finance Act and, this being the case, the Mauritanian State shall have full discretion regarding the use to which it is put.

Article 3Scientific cooperation

1. The two Parties undertake to promote responsible fishing in Mauritanian fishing zones on the basis of the principles of sustainable management.

2. During the period covered by this Protocol, the two Parties shall cooperate to develop certain issues relating to the development of the state of resources in Mauritanian fishing zones; to this end a Joint Scientific Committee shall meet at least once a year, in accordance with Article 4(1) of the Agreement. At the request of one of the Parties and where needed within the framework of this Protocol, other meetings of this Scientific Committee may also be convened.

3. Based on the conclusions of the work of the Joint Scientific Committee and the best available scientific advice, the two Parties shall consult each other within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 10 of the Agreement and, where necessary and by mutual agreement, adopt measures to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries resources.

4. The remit of the Joint Scientific Committee shall cover in particular the following activities:

7. drawing up an annual scientific report on the fisheries covered by this Agreement;

8. identifying and implementing an annual programme dealing with specific scientific issues in order to improve understanding of the state of resources and changes to ecosystems;

9. studying, under a procedure agreed by consensus within the Committee, scientific questions which arise in the course of implementing this Agreement;

10. carrying out, among other things, and as required, exploratory fishing trips to determine the fishing opportunities and exploitation options which guarantee the conservation of resources and their ecosystem.

Article 4Review of fishing opportunities

1. The fishing opportunities referred to in Article 1 of this Protocol may be increased by mutual agreement provided that the conclusions of the Joint Scientific Committee referred to in Article 4(1) of the Agreement confirm that such an increase will not endanger the sustainable management of Mauritania's resources. In this case the financial contribution referred to in Article 2(1) of this Protocol shall be increased proportionately and pro rata temporis . However, the total amount of the financial contribution paid by the European Community shall not be more than twice the amount indicated in Article 2(1) of this Protocol and shall remain proportionate to the increase in fishing opportunities.

2. Conversely, if the Parties agree to adopt measures as referred to in Article 3(3) of this Protocol resulting in a reduction in the fishing opportunities provided for in Article 1 of this Protocol, the financial contribution shall be reduced proportionately and pro rata temporis . Without prejudice to Article 6 of this Protocol, this financial contribution could be suspended by the European Community if it is not possible to use any of the fishing opportunities provided for in this Protocol.

3. The allocation of the fishing opportunities among different categories of vessels may also be reviewed by mutual agreement between the Parties, provided that any changes comply with recommendations made by the Joint Scientific Committee regarding the management of stocks liable to be affected by such redistribution. The Parties shall agree on the corresponding adjustment of the financial contribution where the redistribution of fishing opportunities so warrants.

4. The adjustments of fishing opportunities provided for in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall be decided by mutual agreement between the two Parties in the Joint Committee provided for in Article 10 of the Agreement.

Article 5Exploratory fishing

1. The Parties may carry out exploratory fishing trips in Mauritanian fishing zones, subject to an opinion by the Joint Scientific Committee provided for in Article 4 of the Agreement. To this end, they shall hold consultations whenever one of the Parties so requests and determine, on a case-by-case basis, relevant new resources, conditions and other parameters.

2. Authorisations to carry out exploratory fishing shall be granted for test purposes for a period of no more than six months and in accordance with Article 6(2) of the Agreement. They shall be subject to the payment of a fee.

3. Where the Parties conclude that the exploratory fishing trips have produced positive results, while preserving ecosystems and conserving living marine resources, new fishing opportunities may be awarded to Community vessels following the consultation procedure provided for in Article 4 of this Protocol and until the expiry of the Protocol and in accordance with the allowable effort. The financial contribution shall be increased in accordance with Article 4.

4. Exploratory fishing shall be carried out in close collaboration with the Mauritanian Institute of Oceanographic Research and Fisheries (IMROP). IMROP shall decide the composition of the team of researchers and observers to be taken on board. Their expenses shall be borne by the shipowners. The data produced by exploratory fishing shall be the subject of a report by IMROP which shall be communicated to the Ministry.

5. Catches made during exploratory fishing shall be the property of the shipowner. Catches of species of a non-regulatory size and species which may not be fished, kept on board or sold under Mauritanian law shall be prohibited.

6. Unless otherwise provided by mutual agreement between the two Parties, vessels operating under exploratory fishing arrangements shall land all their catches in Mauritania.

Article 6Contribution of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement to the implementation of Mauritania's sectoral fisheries policy

1. The financial support under Article 7(1)(b) of the Agreement shall be set at EUR 11 million, EUR 16 million, EUR 18 million and EUR 20 million for the first, second, third and fourth years respectively in accordance with Article 2(1) of this Protocol. This financial support shall contribute to the development and implementation of the Stratégie Nationale de Développement durable du secteur des Pêches de Mauritanie (national strategy for the sustainable development of Mauritania's fisheries sector) with a view to introducing sustainable and responsible fishing in its waters in keeping with the strategic objectives of conservation of fish stocks and better integration of the sector into the national economy, and in particular to the areas of activity listed in paragraph 3 below, an indicative list of the indicators of which is given in Annex IV, and to the PNBA.

2. Mauritania shall be responsible for managing the amount corresponding to the financial support referred to in paragraph 1 above, in the light of objectives identified by mutual agreement between the two Parties, the programming to attain them and the indicators enabling such attainment to be assessed.

3. Without prejudice to the objectives identified by the two Parties and in accordance with the priorities of the Stratégie Nationale de Développement durable du secteur des Pêches de Mauritanie and with a view to ensuring sustainable and responsible management of stocks and promoting the development of the sector, the two Parties agree to focus on:

The following objectives in the context of fisheries development and rent optimisation:

- implementation of fisheries development plans (octopus, prawns, etc.),

- stepping up of fisheries and oceanographic research,

- reinforcement of the surveillance authority,

- control and adjustment of capacities,

- development of new fisheries (sardines, anchovies, etc.).

The following objectives in the context of the increased economic and social impact of the sector:

- development of port infrastructure and services,

- compliance with standards and promotion of quality, particularly in terms of improving health and hygiene conditions in the production of fisheries products and strengthening the monitoring capacity of the competent Mauritanian authorities,

- promotion of private investment in the sector, particularly by upgrading and modernising production equipment, and promotion of global competitiveness factors and comparative advantages,

- development of non-industrial maritime fisheries, inland fisheries and aquaculture.

The following objectives in the context of protection of the marine environment, habitats and the coastline:

- conservation of the marine environment and aquatic habitats,

- reinforcement of capacity for analysing and combating marine pollution.

The following objectives in the context of the legal and institutional framework:

- strengthening of the institutional capacity of the Ministry for Fisheries and of the bodies reporting to it,

- improvement in the legal framework for the pursuit of fisheries activities and in the institutional environment of the sector.

Article 7Methods of implementing the support for Mauritania's sectoral fisheries policy

1. Without prejudice to Article 6(3) of this Protocol, the European Community and the Ministry shall reach agreement, within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 10 of the Agreement, in accordance with the guidelines indicated in Annex IV and from the entry into force of the Protocol, on:

(a) the annual and multiannual guidelines steering the implementation of the priorities of Mauritanian fisheries policy, as identified in Article 6 above and targeted at introducing sustainable and responsible fishing, and in particular those referred to in Article 6(3) of this Protocol;

(b) the annual and multiannual objectives to be achieved and the criteria and indicators to be used to permit an evaluation of the results achieved, on an annual basis.

2. Any amendment of these guidelines, objectives, criteria and evaluation indicators shall be approved by the two Parties within the Joint Committee.

3. In accordance with the objectives and guidelines defined and implemented under the 2006-08 Protocol, in force until 31 July 2008, a multiannual programme for the sectoral support provided under this Protocol per calendar year shall be notified to the European Community not later than 1 March of each year.

For the first year of application of this Protocol, the multiannual programme and annual allocation by Mauritania of the sectoral support referred to in Article 6(1) of this Protocol shall be notified to the European Community at the time when the guidelines, objectives, criteria and evaluation indicators are approved within the Joint Committee and not later than 1 March.

Sectoral support shall be the subject of a joint mid-term review of the attainment of the performance indicators for the current calendar year in the month of June and a final joint review of the attainment of those performance indicators in the month of January of the following year. In addition, Mauritania shall notify, not later than 30 October of each year, the sectoral budgetary allocation provided for in the Finance Act for the following year.

4. For the purpose of preparing for those joint reviews, the Ministry shall send the Commission, not later than one month before the joint mid-term review and joint final review respectively are to be held, an interim and final annual report on the implementation of the results achieved and any difficulties encountered, and on the corrections and remedies proposed.

The Commission reserves the right to request additional information on those results from the Mauritanian authorities so as to launch consultations with the Mauritanian authorities within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 10 of the Agreement, in order to adopt corrective measures which allow the given objectives to be achieved.

Article 8 Economic integration of Community operators in the Mauritanian fisheries sector

1. The two Parties undertake to promote the economic integration of Community operators into the fisheries sector in Mauritania as a whole. In this context, the two Parties shall together carry out, in the course of 2008, objective assessments of the constraints associated with private investment in the fisheries sector in Mauritania with a view to drawing up guidelines for the promotion of investment, taking into account the development of landing infrastructure, bringing up to standard and modernisation of production tools and promotion of marketing channels for fisheries products, as well as measures aimed at enhancing the sector's legal and institutional environment and its competitiveness.

2. The two Parties agree to set up a joint think-tank to periodically examine questions relating to the promotion of private investment in the Mauritanian fisheries sector, and in particular ways of facilitating the establishment of European private enterprises, joint enterprises between Mauritanian and European operators and appropriate forms of private-public partnership. This think-tank shall be able to define a specific annual action plan and jointly monitor its implementation, particularly in the context of the contribution of the Partnership Agreement to the implementation of Mauritania's sectoral fisheries policy.

3. The two Parties also agree to organise an annual meeting in the context of a forum aimed at promoting private partnership in the Mauritanian fisheries sector. This annual forum, to which European and Mauritanian operators shall be invited, shall be held in Mauritania.

4. In order to develop the fresh products sector in particular, by way of an incentive Mauritania shall grant Community operators landing fish in Mauritanian ports (especially for the purposes of sales to local industries, adding value to these products in Mauritania or transporting catches made in Mauritanian fishing zones by land) a reduction in the amount of fees, in accordance with Annex I to this Protocol and with the relevant Mauritanian law.

Article 9Disputes – suspension of application of the Protocol

1. Any dispute between the Parties over the interpretation of this Protocol and its Annexes or its application shall be the subject of consultations between the Parties within the Joint Committee provided for in Article 10 of the Agreement, in a special meeting if necessary.

2. Application of the Protocol may be suspended at the initiative of one of the Parties if the dispute between the two Parties is deemed to be serious and if the consultations held within the Joint Committee under paragraph 1 have not resulted in an amicable settlement.

3. Suspension of application of the Protocol shall require the interested Party to notify its intention in writing at least three months before the date on which suspension is due to take effect.

4. By way of derogation from the suspension procedure provided for in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, the Community reserves the right to suspend application of the Protocol immediately in the event of failure by Mauritania to comply with commitments made with regard to implementation of its sectoral fisheries policy. Such suspension shall immediately be notified to the Mauritanian authorities.

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

Article 10 Suspension of application of the Protocol on grounds of non-payment

Subject to Article 4, if the European Community fails to make the payments provided for in Article 2, application of this Protocol may be suspended on the following terms:

(a) The Ministry shall notify the European Commission of the non-payment. The Commission shall carry out the necessary checks and, where necessary, transmit the payment within no more than 30 working days of the date of receipt of the notification.

(b) If no payment is made and non-payment is not adequately justified within the period provided for in paragraph (a) above, the competent Mauritanian authorities shall be entitled to suspend application of this Protocol. They shall inform the European Commission of such action forthwith.

(c) Application of the Protocol shall resume as soon as the payments concerned have been made.

Article 11National law

Without prejudice to the provisions of the Agreement, the activities of vessels operating under this Protocol and its Annexes, in particular landing, transhipment, the use of port services and the purchase of supplies, or any other activity shall be governed by the laws and regulations in force in Mauritania.

Article 12Duration

This Protocol and the Annexes hereto shall apply for a period of four years from 1 August 2008, unless notice of termination is given in accordance with Article 13.

Article 13Termination

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

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

Article 14Entry into force

1. This Protocol and the Annexes hereto shall enter into force on the date on which the Parties notify each other of the completion of the procedures necessary for that purpose.

2. They shall be applicable from 1 August 2008 in place of the Protocol and the Annexes thereto covering the period 1 July 2006 to 31 July 2008.

Table of fishing opportunities

Type of fishing |

CRUSTACEANS | DEMERSAL FISHING | CEPHALOPODS | PELAGIC FISHING |

1. Fishing zone |

(i) North of latitude 19°21.0' N, outside the zone marked by the following points: |

20°46.3' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

20°40.0' | N | 17°07.5' | W |

20°05.0' | N | 17°07.5' | W |

19°35.5' | N | 16°47.0' | W |

19°28.0' | N | 16°45.0' | W |

19°21.0' | N | 16°45.0' | W |

(ii) South of latitude 19°21.0' N, west of the six-mile line (see coordinate reference in Appendix 6 to Annex II). |

Once the development plan for shrimp is adopted, this zoning may be revised by mutual agreement between the Parties. |

2. Authorised gear |

Bottom shrimp trawl and other selective types of gear. |

The two Parties are to carry out technical trials with a view to drafting rules on selectivity, in particular: (i) selectivity grids for trawls, (ii) selective gear other than trawls. Selective gear are to be put into operation by 31 December 2009, following scientific, technical and economic evaluation of the results of these trials. |

Doubling of the cod-end is prohibited. Doubling of the twine forming the cod-end is prohibited. Protective aprons are authorised in accordance with Article 24 of the Mauritanian Fisheries Code. |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

50 mm |

4. Biological recovery |

Two (2) periods of two (2) months: May-June and September-October. |

The two Parties may decide by mutual agreement within the Joint Committee to adjust, increase or reduce the above biological recovery periods, and to lay down closed periods in certain zones to protect nursery areas and areas with a high concentration of juvenile fish. |

5. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. |

6. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 |

Authorised tonnage (GT) per licence period | 9 570 GT | 9 570 GT | 9 570 GT | 9 570 GT |

Fees in EUR per GT per year | 291 | 303 | 315 | 315 |

7. Comments |

The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

FISHING CATEGORY 2: BLACK HAKE TRAWLERS (1) AND BOTTOM LONGLINERS |

1. Fishing zone |

1.1 (i) North of latitude 19°15.6' N, west of the line joining the following points: |

(ii) South of latitude 17°50.0' N, west of the 12-mile line, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

1.2 The zoning during the closed periods for cephalopod fisheries is as follows: |

(i) Between Cap Blanc and Cap Timiris, the exclusion zone is defined by the following points: |

(iii) South of Nouakchott (south of latitude 17°50.0' N), the exclusion zone is the 12-mile line, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

- bottom longline |

- bottom trawl for hake |

Doubling of the cod-end is prohibited. |

Doubling of the twine forming the cod-end is prohibited. |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

70 mm for the trawl net |

4. Biological recovery |

The two Parties shall agree within the Joint Committee and on the basis of the best available scientific advice approved by the Joint Scientific Committee on the most appropriate biological recovery period. |

5. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. |

6. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 |

Authorised tonnage (GT) per licence period | 3 240 GT | 3 240 GT | 3 240 GT | 3 240 GT |

Fees in EUR per GT per year | 148 | 153 | 159 | 159 |

7. Comments |

The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. (1) This category does not include freezer trawlers. Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

FISHING CATEGORY 3: VESSELS FISHING FOR DEMERSAL SPECIES OTHER THAN BLACK HAKE WITH GEAR OTHER THAN TRAWLS |

1. Fishing zone |

1.1 (i) North of latitude 19°48.5' N, from 3 miles from the Cap Blanc-Cap Timiris baseline |

(ii) South of latitude 19°48.5' N as far as latitude 19°21.0' N, west of longitude 16°45.0' W |

(ii) South of latitude 19°21.0' N, from 3 miles, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II |

1.2 The zoning during the closed periods for cephalopod fisheries is as follows: |

(i) Between Cap Blanc and Cap Timiris: |

20°46.0' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

20°46.0' | N | 17°47.0' | W |

20°03.0' | N | 17°47.0' | W |

19°47.0' | N | 17°14.0' | W |

19°21.0' | N | 16°55.0' | W |

19°15.6' | N | 16°51.5' | W |

19°15.6' | N | 16°49.6' | W |

(ii) South of Cap Timiris (south of latitude 19°15.6' N) as far as Nouakchott (17°50.0' N), the exclusion zone is the 3-mile line, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II |

(iii) South of Nouakchott (south of latitude 17°50.0' N), the exclusion zone is the 3-mile line, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

– longline; |

– fixed gillnets with a maximum depth of 7 m and a maximum length of 100 m. Gillnets made of polyamide monofilaments are banned under Mauritanian legislation; |

– handline; |

– creels; |

– seine for fishing for bait. |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

120 mm for gillnets; |

20 mm for live-bait fishing nets. |

4. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. |

5. Authorised tonnage |

2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 |

Authorised tonnage (GT) per licence period | 1 162 GT | 1 162 GT | 1 162 GT | 1 162 GT |

Fees in EUR per GT per year | 254 | 264 | 274 | 274 |

6. Comments |

The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. The type of fishing gear to be used should be notified when applying for the licence. |

Seines may be used only to fish for bait for use in line and creel fishing. |

Use of creels is authorised for no more than seven vessels of under 135 GT each. |

Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

The two Parties shall agree within the Joint Committee and on the basis of the best available scientific advice approved by the Joint Scientific Committee on the most appropriate biological recovery period. |

FISHING CATEGORY 4: FREEZER TRAWLERS FISHING FOR DEMERSAL SPECIES |

1. Fishing zone |

1.1 (i) North of latitude 19°15.6' N, west of the line joining the following points: |

20°46.3' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

20°36.0' | N | 17°11.0' | W |

20°36.0' | N | 17°36.0' | W |

20°03.0' | N | 17°36.0' | W |

19°45.7' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

19°29.0' | N | 16°51.5' | W |

19°15.6' | N | 16°51.5' | W |

19°15.6' | N | 16°49.6' | W |

(ii) South of latitude 19°15.6' N as far as latitude 17°50.0' N, west of the 18-mile line, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

(ii) South of latitude 17°50.0' N, west of the 12-mile line, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

– trawl. |

Doubling of the cod-end is prohibited. |

Doubling of the twine forming the cod-end is prohibited. |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

70 mm |

4. Biological recovery |

Two (2) periods of two (2) months: May-June and September-October. |

The two Parties may decide by mutual agreement within the Joint Committee to adjust, increase or reduce the above biological recovery period, and to lay down closed periods in certain zones to protect nursery areas and areas with a high concentration of juvenile fish. |

5. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate |

6. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 |

Authorised tonnage (GT) per licence period | 375 GT | 375 GT | 375 GT | 375 GT |

Fees in EUR per GT per year | 156 | 163 | 169 | 169 |

7. Comments |

The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

FISHING CATEGORY 5: CEPHALOPODS |

1. Fishing zone |

North of latitude 19°15.6' N, outside the zone marked by the following points: |

20°46.3' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

20°40.0' | N | 17°07.5' | W |

19°57.0' | N | 17°07.5' | W |

19°28.2' | N | 16°48.0' | W |

19°18.5' | N | 16°48.0' | W |

19°18.5' | N | 16°40.5' | W |

19°15.6' | N | 16°38.0' | W |

South of latitude 19°15.6' N as far as latitude 17°50.0' N, west of 9 miles from the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II |

South of latitude 19°15.6' N as far as latitude 17°50.0' N, west of 6 miles from the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

Bottom trawl. |

Doubling of the cod-end is prohibited. |

Doubling of the twine forming the cod-end is prohibited. |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

70 mm |

4. Biological recovery |

Two (2) periods of two (2) months: May-June and September-October. The two Parties may decide by mutual agreement within the Joint Committee, on the basis of the best available scientific advice, to adjust, increase or reduce the above biological recovery periods, and to lay down closed periods in certain zones to protect nursery areas and areas with a high concentration of juvenile fish. |

5. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. |

6. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 |

Authorised tonnage (GT) per licence period | 13 950 GT | 13 950 GT | 13 950 GT | 13 950 GT |

Fees in EUR per GT per year | 349 | 363 | 377 | 377 |

7. Comments |

The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. |

Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

FISHING CATEGORY 6: SPINY LOBSTERS |

1. Fishing zone |

1.1 North of latitude 19°21.0' N: 20 miles from the Cap Blanc-Cap Timiris baseline; |

1.2 South of latitude 19°21.0' N: 15 miles, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

Pot |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

60 mm mesh |

4. Biological recovery |

Two (2) periods of two (2) months: May-June and September-October. |

The two Parties may decide by mutual agreement within the Joint Committee to adjust, increase or reduce the above biological recovery periods. |

5. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. |

6. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 |

Authorised tonnage (GT) per licence period | 300 GT | 300 GT | 300 GT | 300 GT |

Fees in EUR per GT per year | 283 | 294 | 305 | 305 |

7. Comments |

The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. Landings encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

FISHING CATEGORY 7: FREEZER TUNA SEINERS |

1. Fishing zone |

1.1 North of latitude 19°21.0' N: 30 miles from the Cap Blanc-Cap Timiris baseline; |

1.2 South of latitude 19°21.0' N: 30 miles from the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

Seine |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

Recommended ICCAT standards. |

4. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. |

5. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

Fee per tonne caught | EUR 35 |

Number of vessels authorised to fish | 22 |

Advance in EUR per vessel per year | EUR 1 750 |

6. Comments |

The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

FISHING CATEGORY 8: POLE-AND-LINE TUNA VESSELS AND SURFACE LONGLINERS |

1. Fishing zone |

For surface longliners, the zoning is the same as for tuna seiners in category 7. |

For pole-and-line tuna vessels, the following zoning applies: 1.1 North of latitude 19°21.0' N: 15 miles from the Cap Blanc-Cap Timiris baseline |

1.2 South of latitude 19°21.0' N: 12 miles, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

Fishing zone authorised for live-bait fishing: |

- North of latitude 19°48.5' N, from 3 miles from the Cap Blanc-Cap Timiris baseline; |

- South of latitude 19°48.5' N as far as latitude 19°21.0' N, west of longitude 16°45.0' W; |

- South of latitude 19°21.0' N, from 3 miles, the coordinates of which are calculated on the basis of the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

Pole-and-line and surface longline |

3. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. |

4. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

Number of vessels authorised to fish | 22 |

Pole-and-line vessels – fee per tonne caught | EUR 25 |

Longliners – fee per tonne caught | EUR 35 |

Advance in EUR per vessel per year | EUR 2 500 for pole-and-line vessels EUR 3 500 for longliners |

5. Comments |

The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. |

(1) Minimum authorised mesh size for live-bait fishing: 16 mm. Bait fishing will be limited to a number of days per month laid down by the Joint Committee. The start and end of such fishing must be notified to the surveillance authority. |

(2) In accordance with the relevant ICCAT and FAO recommendations, fishing for the basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus), white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), sand tiger shark (Carcharias taurus) and tope shark (Galeorhinus galeus) is prohibited. |

(3) In accordance with ICCAT recommendations 04-10 and 05-05 concerning the conservation of sharks caught in association with fisheries managed by ICCAT. |

(4) Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. (5) The two Parties shall agree on the practical arrangements to allow this category to fish or collect the live bait needed for fishing by these vessels. Should such activities be carried out in sensitive areas or with non-conventional gear, these arrangements shall be laid down on the basis of IMROP recommendations and in agreement with the surveillance authority. |

FISHING CATEGORY 9: PELAGIC FREEZER TRAWLERS |

1. Fishing zone |

(i) North of latitude 19°21.0' N, outside the zone marked by the following points: |

20°46.3' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

20°36.0' | N | 17°11.0' | W |

20°36.0' | N | 17°24.1' | W |

19°57.0' | N | 17°24.1' | W |

19°45.7' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

19°29.0' | N | 16°51.5' | W |

19°21.0' | N | 16°45.0' | W |

(ii) South of latitude 19°21.0' N as far as 17°50.0' N, 13 miles from the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

(iii) South of latitude 17°50.0' N as far as latitude 16°04.0' N, 12 miles from the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

Pelagic trawl |

The bag of the pelagic or semi-pelagic trawl may be strengthened with a piece of netting with a minimum mesh size of 400 mm of stretched mesh and by straps placed at least 1.5 metres apart, except for the strap at the back of the trawl which may not be placed less than 2 metres from the window in the bag. The strengthening or doubling of the bag by any other means is prohibited and the trawl may in no case target species other than the small pelagic species authorised. |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

40 mm |

4. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. See Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 7 to Annex I for the conversion factors for small pelagics. |

5. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

Number of vessels authorised to fish at the same time | 17 |

Fees in EUR per GT per year | 2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 |

Vessels of below 5 000 GT | 8.2 | 8.3 | 8.4 | 8.5 |

Vessels of 5 000 GT or above but below 7 000 GT | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 |

Vessels of 7 000 GT or above but below 9 500 GT | 6.2 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 6.5 |

The maximum total allowable catch for the freezer trawler fleet under the above licence arrangements is 250 000 tonnes per year, but this quota may be exceeded on the basis of the provisions laid down in the Protocol and the Annexes thereto. |

6. Comments |

Unused category 11 fishing opportunities may be used by category 9 at a rate of a maximum 20 licences per month. The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. |

Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

FISHING CATEGORY 10: CRAB FISHING |

1. Fishing zone |

(i) North of latitude 19°15.6' N, west of the line joining the following points: |

20°46.3' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

20°36.0' | N | 17°11.0' | W |

20°36.0' | N | 17°36.0' | W |

20°03.0' | N | 17°36.0' | W |

19°45.7' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

19°29.0' | N | 16°51.5' | W |

19°15.6' | N | 16°51.5' | W |

19°15.6' | N | 16°49.6' | W |

(ii) South of latitude 19°15.6' N as far as latitude 17°50.0' N, west of the 18-mile line from the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

(ii) South of latitude 17°50.0' N, west of the 12-mile line from the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

Crab pot |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

60 mm mesh |

4. Biological recovery |

Two (2) periods of two (2) months: May-June and September-October. The two Parties may decide by mutual agreement within the Joint Committee, on the basis of the best available scientific advice, to adjust, increase or reduce the above biological recovery period, and to lay down closed periods in certain zones to protect nursery areas and areas with a high concentration of juvenile fish. |

5. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. |

6. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 |

Authorised tonnage (GT) per licence period | 300 GT | 300 GT | 300 GT | 300 GT |

Fees in EUR per GT per year | 283 | 294 | 305 | 305 |

7. Comments |

The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

FISHING CATEGORY 11: NON-FREEZER PELAGIC VESSELS |

1. Fishing zone |

(i) North of latitude 19°21.0' N, outside the zone marked by the following points: |

20°46.3' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

20°36.0' | N | 17°11.0' | W |

20°36.0' | N | 17°24.1' | W |

19°57.0' | N | 17°24.1' | W |

19°45.7' | N | 17°03.0' | W |

19°29.0' | N | 16°51.5' | W |

19°21.0' | N | 16°45.0' | W |

(ii) South of latitude 19°21.0' N as far as latitude 17°50.0' N, 13 miles from the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

(iii) South of latitude 17°50.0' N as far as latitude 16°04.0' N, 12 miles from the 6-mile line, the coordinates of which are given in Appendix 6 to Annex II. |

2. Authorised gear |

Pelagic trawl and purse seine for industrial fishing. |

The bag of the pelagic or semi-pelagic trawl may be strengthened with a piece of netting with a minimum mesh size of 400 mm of stretched mesh and by straps placed at least 1.5 metres apart, except for the strap at the back of the trawl which may not be placed less than 2 metres from the window in the bag. The strengthening or doubling of the bag by any other means is prohibited and the trawl may in no case target species other than the small pelagic species authorised. |

3. Minimum authorised mesh size |

40 mm for trawlers and 20 mm for seiners. |

4. By-catches and minimum sizes |

In accordance with Mauritanian legislation (see Chapter VI and Appendix 5 to Annex I for by-catches and Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 6 to Annex I for minimum sizes). Where Mauritanian legislation does not contain any rules on by-catches and minimum sizes for certain species, the two Parties shall consult within the Joint Committee to lay down the authorised rate. See Chapter V, point 5 and Appendix 7 to Annex I for the conversion factors for small pelagics. |

5. Authorised tonnage/Fees |

Authorised tonnage | 15 000 GT per month (annual average), equivalent to 3 monthly licences for pelagic freezer trawlers in category 9. |

The averaging of monthly figures over a year shall mean that the average use per month at the end of a year of the Protocol corresponds to the above figure, with the possibility of carrying over unused quantities from one month to the following month. |

2008/09 | 2009/10 | 2010/11 | 2011/12 |

Fees in EUR per GT per year | 7.2 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 7.5 |

6. Comments |

Unused category 11 fishing opportunities may be used by category 9 at a rate of a maximum 20 licences per month. The fees are fixed for the four-year period of application of the Protocol. There is no limit on catches by non-freezer pelagic vessels. Transitional arrangements for taking seamen on board are laid down in Annex I (point 6 of Chapter XV). |

Landings and transhipments encouraged under the terms of the Protocol and of Annex I. |

ANNEX I

CONDITIONS FOR THE EXERCISE OF FISHING ACTIVITIES BY COMMUNITY VESSELS IN MAURITANIA'S FISHING ZONES

CHAPTER I Documents required for licence applications

1. On each vessel's first licence application, the Commission, via the Delegation, shall submit to the Ministry a licence application form duly completed in respect of each vessel for which a licence is requested in accordance with the model in Appendix 1 to this Annex. The particulars relating to the name of the vessel, its tonnage in GT, external registration number, radio call sign, engine power, overall length and home port shall be as contained in the fishing vessel register of the Community.

2. On a first licence application, the shipowner shall include with the application:

- a copy certified by the Member State of the international tonnage certificate giving the tonnage of the vessel expressed in GT;

- a recent colour photograph certified by the competent authorities of the Member State showing a side view of the vessel in its current state. The photograph shall be at least 15 cm by 10 cm;

- documents required for inclusion in the Mauritanian National Ship Register. Such inclusion shall not entail any registration fee. The inspection provided for in connection with inclusion in the National Ship Register is of a purely administrative nature.

3. Any alteration to the tonnage of a vessel shall oblige the shipowner concerned to submit a copy certified by the Member State of the new tonnage certificate and any supporting documents concerning the alteration and, in particular, the copy of the application lodged by the shipowner with the competent authorities, the agreement of those authorities and the details of the changes made.

Similarly, where the structure or external appearance of the vessel is changed, a new photograph certified by the competent authorities of the Member State must also be submitted.

4. Applications for fishing licences shall be lodged only for those vessels for which the documents required under points 1, 2 and 3 above have been sent.

CHAPTER IILicences - application, issue and validity

1. Eligibility to fish

1.1. Each vessel wishing to fish under this Agreement must be eligible for fishing in Mauritanian fishing zones.

1.2. For a vessel to be eligible, neither the owner, the skipper nor the vessel itself must be prohibited from fishing in Mauritania. They must be in order vis-à-vis the Mauritanian authorities insofar as they must have fulfilled all prior obligations arising from their fishing activities in Mauritania.

2. Licence applications

2.1. For licences for pelagic fishing vessels, the Commission, via the Delegation, shall submit licence applications to the Ministry at least 10 working days before the start of fishing operations, accompanied by the documents attesting to the technical characteristics.

For all other types of licence, the Commission, via the Delegation, shall submit to the Ministry quarterly lists, by fishing category, of the vessels wishing to engage in fishing activities within the limits specified in the Fishing Datasheets included in the Protocol, at least one month before the start of the period of validity of the licences requested. Such lists shall be accompanied by proof of payment. Licence applications failing to arrive within the deadline shall not be processed.

2.2. These lists shall specify, by fishing category, the number of vessels and, for each vessel, its main characteristics, including its fishing gear, as they appear in the fishing vessel register of the Community, the amount of payments due broken down by heading and the number of Mauritanian seamen.

2.3. A data file containing all the particulars required to draw up the fishing licences, including any amendments to the vessel data, shall also be attached to the licence application in a format compatible with the software used by the Ministry.

2.4. Licence applications shall be accepted only in respect of eligible vessels which have completed all the formalities specified in points 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3 above.

2.5. Vessels holding fishing licences for neighbouring countries may indicate in their licence applications the country and species concerned and the period of validity of such licences to facilitate their multiple entries into and exits from the fishing zone.

2.6. Any personal data transferred under the licence applications – and more generally within the framework of this Agreement – may be used only within the framework of this Agreement.

3. Issue of licences

3.1. The Ministry shall issue the licences to the vessel following submission, by the shipowner's representative, of individual proofs of payment for each vessel (receipt of payment issued by the Mauritanian Public Treasury), as specified in Chapter IV, at least 10 days before the start of their period of validity. That deadline shall be five days in the case of pelagic vessels. The licences may be obtained from the offices of the Ministry in Nouadhibou or Nouakchott.

3.2. Licences shall also indicate the period of validity, the vessel's technical characteristics, the number of Mauritanian seamen and the payment references of the fees, and the conditions relating to fishing activities as laid down in the relevant Fishing Datasheets.

3.3. Fishing licences may be issued only for vessels which have complied with all the administrative formalities required for the issue of licences. Vessels which receive a licence shall be entered on the list of vessels authorised to fish which shall be sent simultaneously to the surveillance authority and the Commission, via the Delegation.

3.4. The Commission shall be notified, via the Delegation, of licence applications refused by the Mauritanian authorities. Where appropriate, the Ministry shall provide a credit note against payments relating to these after deduction of the balance of any outstanding unpaid fines.

3.5. The two Parties shall seek agreement for the purposes of promoting the introduction of an electronic licence system.

4. Validity and utilisation of licences

4.1. Licences shall be valid only for the period covered by the fees paid under the terms laid down in the Fishing Datasheets and specified in the licence.

Licences shall be issued for periods of three, six or twelve months. They shall be renewable.

For pelagic vessels (categories 9 and 11), licences may be monthly. For pelagic trawlers (category 9 only), licences shall mention the quota provided, by way of a guide, for the licence period. Any unused quota in the period covered by the licence may be transferred to a new licence for the same vessel or transferred to another vessel in the same category.

The period of validity of licences shall be determined on the basis of the following annual periods:

first period: from 1 August 2008 to 31 December 2008

second period: from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2009

third period: from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2010

fourth period: from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011

fifth period: from 1 January 2012 to 31 July 2012

Licences may not start to run during one annual period and expire during the next.

4.2. Licences shall be issued for a given vessel and shall not be transferable. However, in the event of force majeure duly established by the competent authorities of the Member State and at the request of the Commission, a licence issued for one vessel shall be replaced as soon as possible by a licence issued for another vessel of the same category on condition that the tonnage authorised for that category is not exceeded.

4.3. The licence to be replaced shall be returned by the Commission via the Delegation to the Ministry, which shall then issue the new licence.

4.4. Additional adjustments in the amounts paid as a result of replacement of the licence shall be effected before the replacement licence is issued.

4.5. Licences must be held on board the eligible vessel at all times and presented to the inspection authorities on the occasion of any inspection.

CHAPTER IIIFees

1. Fees shall be calculated for each vessel on the basis of the annual rates laid down in the Fishing Datasheets included in the Protocol. In the case of three-month and six-month licences, excluding those issued to pelagic fishing vessels, the fees shall be calculated pro rata temporis , plus 3% and 2% respectively to cover recurrent costs in drawing up the licences. The amounts of such licence fees shall include all related fees and taxes, with the exception of the parafiscal charge[5], port taxes and service charges. Without prejudice to Article 12 of the Protocol, a budgetary allocation for financing the sworn body of independent scientific observers and inspectors shall be entered in the Finance Act and shall replace the percentage payment included in the preceding Protocol.

With the exception of categories 7 and 8 (tuna vessels – see Chapter XIV) and categories 9 and 11 (monthly payments), the parafiscal charge shall be payable on the basis of a full quarter or multiple thereof, irrespective of whether a biological recovery period falls within that period.

The exchange rate (MRO/EUR) to be used for payment of the parafiscal charge for a calendar year shall be the average rate for the previous year, as calculated by the Central Bank of Mauritania and transmitted by the Ministry not later than 1 December of the year preceding the application thereof.

2. Fees shall be payable in quarterly periods with the exception of the shorter periods stipulated in the Agreement or consequent on its application, in which case they shall be payable pro rata for the actual duration of the licence.

3. A quarter shall consist of one of the three-month periods beginning 1 October, 1 January, 1 April or 1 July, except for the first and last period of the Protocol which shall run from 1 August 2008 to 30 September 2008 and from 1 March 2012 to 31 July 2012 respectively.

CHAPTER IVMethods of payment

1. Payments shall be made in euro as follows:

(a) fees:

- by transfer to one of the foreign accounts of the Central Bank of Mauritania payable to the Mauritanian Public Treasury;

b) fees relating to the parafiscal charge:

- by transfer to one of the foreign accounts of the Central Bank of Mauritania payable to the surveillance authority;

(c) fines:

- by transfer to one of the foreign accounts of the Central Bank of Mauritania payable to the Mauritanian Public Treasury;

(d) penalties for licence increases:

- by transfer to one of the foreign accounts of the Central Bank of Mauritania payable to the Ministry.

2. The amounts referred to in point 1 above shall be considered as actually received on receipt of confirmation from the Public Treasury or the Ministry following notification by the Central Bank of Mauritania.

3. Before the entry into force of the Protocol, the Mauritanian Authorities shall supply the Commission with a list of the Central Bank of Mauritania's foreign accounts with the details required for international transfers (BIC and IBAN codes).

CHAPTER V Communication of catch data

1. The duration of a trip by a Community vessel shall be defined as follows:

- either the period elapsing between entering and leaving the Mauritanian fishing zone;

- or the period elapsing between entering the Mauritanian fishing zone and a transhipment;

- or the period elapsing between entering the Mauritanian fishing zone and a landing in Mauritania.

2. Fishing log

2.1. Skippers of vessels shall make a daily record of all the operations specified in the fishing log, a model of which is attached as Appendix 2 to this Annex and which could be amended under Mauritanian legislation. This document must be completed correctly and legibly and signed by the skipper of the vessel. For vessels fishing for highly migratory species, Chapter XIV of this Annex shall apply.

The tolerance percentage for discrepancies between the catches declared in the fishing log and the result of the inspection is set at:

- 7% for non-freezer vessels;

- 4% for non-pelagic freezer vessels;

- 2% for pelagic freezer vessels.

2.2. Fishing logs from which entries have been omitted or which contain invalid information shall be deemed not to have been duly kept.

2.3. At the end of each trip, the original of the fishing log shall be sent by the skipper of the vessel to the surveillance authority. Within 15 working days, the shipowner shall forward a copy of the log to the national authorities of the Member State and to the Commission, via the Delegation.

2.4. Failure to comply with points 2.1, 2.2 or 2.3 above shall entail, without prejudice to the penalties laid down by Mauritanian law, automatic suspension of the fishing licence until the shipowner has met such obligations.

2.5. The two Parties shall seek agreement for the purposes of promoting the introduction of an electronic logbook system.

2.6. For pelagic vessels (categories 9 and 11), checks on catches shall take place on landing and on transhipment or at the end of the trip.

3. Supplementary fishing log (landing and transhipment declarations)

3.1. On landing or transhipment, skippers of vessels are required to complete correctly and legibly and to sign the supplementary fishing log as shown in the model attached as Appendix 3 to this Annex.

3.2. At the end of each landing operation, the shipowner shall send the original of the supplementary fishing log to the surveillance authority, with a copy to the Ministry, within a period of no more than 30 days. Within the same period, a copy shall be sent to the national authorities of the Member State and to the Commission, via the Delegation. For pelagic vessels, the time limit is set at 15 days.

3.3. At the end of each authorised transhipment, the skipper shall immediately send the original of the supplementary fishing log to the surveillance authority, with a copy to the Ministry. Within 15 working days, a copy shall be sent to the national authorities of the Member State and to the Commission, via the Delegation.

3.4. Failure to comply with points 3.1, 3.2 or 3.3 above shall entail automatic suspension of the fishing licence until the shipowner has met such obligations.

4. Quarterly catch declarations

4.1. By the end of the third month of each quarter the Commission, via the Delegation, shall notify the Ministry of the quantities caught in the previous quarter by all Community vessels. For category 9 and 11 pelagic vessels, such notification shall be made on a monthly basis within a period not exceeding 30 days of the following month.

4.2. This information shall be broken down by month and by type of fishing, by vessel and by species.

4.3. The information shall also be sent to the Ministry in the form of a data file in a format compatible with the software used by the Ministry.

5. Reliability of data

The information in the documents referred to in points 1, 2, 3 and 4 above must reflect the actual fishing situation in order to constitute one of the bases for monitoring changes in marine resources.

The Mauritanian legislation in force concerning the minimum sizes of catches kept on board shall be applicable and is provided in Appendix 6.

A list of the conversion factors applicable to catches without head/whole catches and/or eviscerated/whole catches is provided in Appendix 7.

CHAPTER VIBy-catches

1. In accordance with Mauritanian law, the percentage of by-catches shall be calculated at any time during fishing according to the total live weight of the catch on board. Appendix 5 to this Annex lists those percentages by fishing category.

The regulations on such by-catches shall be entered on the licences issued.

2. Where these percentages exceed the authorised by-catches, penalties shall be imposed in accordance with Mauritanian law and may result in the complete banning of the offenders, both skippers and vessels, from all fishing activities in Mauritania.

3. The keeping of unauthorised species on board vessels shall be forbidden. Offenders shall be punished in accordance with Mauritanian law.

CHAPTER VIILandings in Mauritania

In the interests of improving integration with a view to the joint development of their respective fisheries sectors, the Parties have agreed to encourage voluntary landings and to adopt the following provisions in respect of such landings in Mauritanian ports.

GENERAL CONDITIONS AND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

1. Landings shall be made at the Mauritanian port of Nouadhibou. Shipowners shall choose the landing dates. They shall inform the Mauritanian surveillance authority and port authorities of the chosen date by fax or e-mail 72 hours before their expected arrival at the port, indicating the estimated total quantity to be landed. The port authorities shall confirm by the same means within 24 hours, to the shipowner or agent, that the landing operations can take place within 24 hours of the vessel's arrival in port.

2. Landing operations shall be completed within 24 hours of the vessel's arrival in port.

3. At the end of landing operations, the competent port authorities shall issue a landing certificate to the skipper.

4. During the vessel's presence in port, its fishermen shall be entitled to free passage with a seaman's licence.

5. Community vessels making landings or transhipments in Mauritania shall have their licence fees reduced for the period during which the landings or transhipments are made. The reduction shall be 25% of the cost of the current licence for vessels landing catches and 15% for vessels carrying out transhipments. However:

- The reduction in the licence fee shall not apply to a vessel which lands/tranships less than 15% of the catches declared in the fishing log for the licence period concerned;

- The reduction in the licence fee shall apply on a pro rata basis to a vessel which lands/tranships between 16% and 65% of the catches declared in the fishing log for the licence period concerned (example: a vessel landing 30% of the catches declared shall be entitled to 30% of the 25% reduction in the fee);

- The reduction in the licence fee shall apply in full to a vessel which lands/tranships more than 65% of the catches declared in the fishing log for the licence period concerned.

6. Detailed implementing rules: copies of the landing certificate(s) for the landing operations carried out by the vessel concerned shall be sent to the Commission via the Delegation. When submitting a new licence application for that vessel, the Commission shall send the Ministry the copies of the certificates together with a request for a reduction in the fee for the new licence.

7. Before the end of the first six months of application of this Protocol, the Ministry shall send the following information to the Commission via the Delegation:

- the general rules on landings, including port charges;

- the establishments approved under the relevant Community regulations;

- the bonded warehouses;

- the maximum size and number of vessels which can have access to them;

- storage conditions and capacity for fresh, chilled and deep-frozen (-22°C) products;

- means and frequency of transport to bring fishery products to external markets;

- average supply prices and terms (fuel, provisions, etc.);

- radio call sign, telephone and fax numbers, telex addresses, working hours of the port authorities' offices;

- any other information which can facilitate landing operations.

TAX AND FINANCIAL CONDITIONS

Community vessels landing at Nouadhibou shall be exempt from all taxes or charges having an equivalent effect, other than port fees and charges which apply on the same terms to Mauritanian vessels.

The fishery products landed shall be under customs control arrangements in accordance with Mauritanian legislation. They shall therefore be exempt from all customs procedures and duties or charges having an equivalent effect when they enter the Mauritanian port or at the time of export, and shall be treated as 'temporarily admitted goods' (temporary storage).

Shipowners shall decide on the destination of their vessels' production. It may be processed, stored under customs control, sold in Mauritania or exported (in foreign currency).

Sales in Mauritania intended for the Mauritanian market shall be subject to the same charges and levies as Mauritanian fishery products.

Profits may be exported without additional charges (exemption from customs duties and charges having an equivalent effect).

Port charges for transhipment operations in authorised areas provided for in Appendix 5 to the Protocol shall be set at $1.25 per tonne of fish transhipped. Any change in those charges must be endorsed by the Joint Committee provided for under the Agreement.

The port authority shall also apply the entry and exit charge to carrier and supply vessels.

These measures, which came into force on 1 December 2007, shall be the subject of an assessment after a year's implementation.

CHAPTER VIIISigning-on of Mauritanian seamen

1. Apart from tuna seiners (which shall endeavour to sign on at least one Mauritanian seaman per vessel), pole-and-line tuna vessels (which must sign on three Mauritanian seamen per vessel) and pelagic vessels in category 11 (for which transitional provisions are laid down in point 6 of Chapter XV of this Annex), each Community vessel shall sign on Mauritanian seamen for the duration of the trip. There shall be at least:

- 2 seamen plus 1 officer or 1 observer for vessels of less than 200 GT;

- 3 seamen plus 1 officer or 1 observer for vessels of at least 200 GT and less than 250 GT;

- 4 seamen plus 1 officer or 1 observer for vessels of at least 250 GT and less than 300 GT;

- 6 seamen and 1 officer for vessels of at least 300 and less than 350 GT;

- 7 seamen and 1 officer for vessels of at least 350 and less than 500 GT;

- 8 seamen and 1 officer for vessels of at least 500 and less than 800 GT;

- vessels of 800 GT or more and less than 2 000 GT shall sign on a number of seamen equivalent to 37% of the crew, but not less than 8 seamen and 2 officers;

- vessels of 2 000 GT or more shall sign on a number of seamen equivalent to 37% of the crew, but not less than 12 seamen and 2 officers.

1.2. For vessels of 800 GT or more, the minimum number of seamen to be signed on board shall be reduced by 2 for each additional officer taken on board.

1.3. Shipowners shall be free to choose the Mauritanian seamen and officers to sign on their vessels in accordance with the Merchant Shipping Code.

2. The shipowner or agent shall inform the Ministry of the names of the Mauritanian seamen signed on the vessel concerned, mentioning their position in the crew.

3. The International Labour Organisation (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.

4. Mauritanian seamen's employment contracts, a copy of which shall be given to the signatories, shall be drawn up between the shipowners' agent(s) and the seamen and/or their trade unions or representatives in consultation with the competent Mauritanian authorities. These contracts shall guarantee the seamen the social security cover applicable to them, including life assurance and sickness and accident insurance.

5. Shipowners or their agents shall send, within two months of the issue of the licence, a copy of that contract duly signed by the competent authorities of the Member State concerned direct to the Ministry.

6. Mauritanian seamen's wages shall be paid by the shipowners. They shall be fixed, before licences are issued, by mutual agreement between the shipowners or their agents and the Mauritanian seamen concerned or their representatives. However, the wage conditions granted to Mauritanian seamen shall not be lower than those applied to Mauritanian crews and shall comply with ILO standards and under no circumstances be below those standards.

7. If one or more seamen employed on board fail to report at the time agreed for the vessel's departure, the vessel shall be permitted to start the planned trip after informing the competent authorities in the port of embarkation of the shortfall in the number of seamen required and having updated its crew list. The authorities concerned shall notify the surveillance authority thereof.

The shipowner shall take all necessary steps to ensure that the number of seamen required by this Agreement are signed on by the vessel by the next trip at the latest.

8. Where no Mauritanian seamen are taken on board for reasons other than that specified in the previous point, shipowners shall be obliged to pay as soon as possible a flat-rate amount of EUR 20 per day of fishing in the Mauritanian fishing zone per seaman within a maximum of three months.

Payment for failure to sign on seamen shall be based on the actual number of fishing days and not on the period of the licence.

This sum shall be used for training Mauritanian fishermen and shall be paid into the account specified in point 1(b) of Chapter IV of this Annex.

9. Twice a year, on 1 January and 1 July, the Commission, via the Delegation, shall send the Ministry a list of Mauritanian seamen signed on Community vessels, with details of their registration as crew members and the vessels concerned.

10. Without prejudice to point 7 above, recurring failure by shipowners to sign on the requisite number of Mauritanian seamen shall result in automatic suspension of the vessels' fishing licence until such obligations have been met.

CHAPTER IX Technical inspection

1. Once a year and after any alteration in tonnage or changes to the fishing category involving the use of a different type of fishing gear, all Community vessels shall report to the port of Nouadhibou or Nouakchott to undergo the inspections required by the legislation in force. Such inspections shall take place within 48 hours of the vessel's arriving in port.

The technical inspection procedures applying to tuna vessels, surface longliners and pelagic fishing vessels shall be as laid down in Chapters XIV and XV of this Annex.

2. Once the inspection has been completed satisfactorily, the skipper of the vessel shall be issued with a certificate having the same period of validity as the licence which shall be automatically extended, free of charge, in the case of vessels renewing their licence within the year. This certificate must be kept on board at all times.

3. The technical inspection shall check the conformity of the vessel's technical characteristics and gear and ensure that the provisions relating to its Mauritanian crew have been complied with.

4. The cost of the inspection, at the rates laid down by Mauritanian law, shall be borne by the shipowner and communicated to the Community. It may not be greater than the amount normally paid by other vessels for the same services.

5. Failure to comply with points 1 or 2 above shall entail automatic suspension of the fishing licence until the shipowner has met such obligations.

CHAPTER X Vessel identification

1. The identification marks of all Community vessels must conform to the relevant Community legislation. The Ministry must be notified of such legislation before this Protocol enters into force. The Ministry must further be notified of any amendment to the legislation at least one month before its entry into force.

2. Any vessel which conceals its markings, name or registration shall be liable to the penalties provided for by Mauritanian law.

CHAPTER XI Suspension or withdrawal of licences

Where the Mauritanian authorities decide to suspend or definitively withdraw the licence of a Community vessel, in application of this Protocol and Mauritanian law, the skipper of that vessel shall immediately cease fishing activities and make for the port of Nouadhibou to submit the original licence to the surveillance authority. Once the required formalities have been duly completed, the Ministry shall notify the Commission, via the Delegation, of the lifting of the suspension and the licence shall be returned.

CHAPTER XIIInfringements

1. All infringements shall be penalised in accordance with Mauritanian law.

2. In the event of serious or very serious fisheries infringements as defined by Mauritanian law, the Ministry reserves the right to prohibit the vessels, skippers and, where applicable, the shipowners involved in committing such infringements, provisionally or definitively from all fishing activities in Mauritanian waters.

CHAPTER XIIIFines

The amount of fines imposed on Community vessels shall be calculated in accordance with Mauritanian law within minimum and maximum limits specified in Mauritanian law. This amount shall be set in accordance with the procedure provided for in Chapter VI, point 3 of Annex II. The amount of fines imposed shall be converted into euro by the surveillance authority at the rate laid down in paragraph 1 of Chapter III of this Annex. The two amounts shall be notified simultaneously to the shipowner and to the Commission via the Delegation.

Mauritanian law, and any subsequent amendments thereto, shall be communicated to the Community.

CHAPTER XIV Provisions relating to vessels fishing highly migratory species (tuna vessels and surface longliners)

1. Licences for tuna seiners, pole-and-line tuna vessels and surface longliners shall be issued for periods which coincide with calendar years except for the first and last year of this Protocol.

The original licence must be kept on board at all times and presented at the request of the surveillance authority. The Commission shall keep an up-to-date draft list of the vessels for which a fishing licence has been applied for under this Protocol. This draft shall be notified to the Ministry as soon as it is drawn up, and then each time it is updated. On receipt of this draft list and of notification of payment of the advance sent to the Ministry by the Commission, the vessel shall be entered by the competent Mauritanian authority on a list of vessels authorised to fish, which shall be sent to the surveillance authority. A certified copy of this list shall then be sent to the shipowner to be kept on board instead of the fishing licence until the licence has been issued.

On presentation of the proof of payment of the advance, the Ministry shall draw up the licence and enter the vessel concerned on the list of vessels authorised to fish which shall be sent to the surveillance authority and to the Commission, via the Delegation.

2. Before receiving its licence, each vessel operating under the Agreement for the first time must be presented for the inspections required by the legislation in force. Such inspections may be carried out in a foreign port to be agreed. All expenses linked to such inspection shall be borne by the shipowner.

3. Licences shall be issued following payment, by transfer to the account defined in Chapter IV, point 1(a), of a lump sum corresponding to the advance specified in the Fishing Datasheets in the Protocol. This lump sum shall be established pro rata temporis to the validity of the licence for the first and last year of the Agreement.

The parafiscal charge shall be paid in proportion to the time spent in the Mauritanian fishery zone. Monthly payments are deemed to cover periods of 30 days' actual fishing. This provision preserves the indivisible nature of the charge and, consequently, the monthly payment shall be due in respect of any period begun.

The first monthly payment must be paid at the time of applying for a licence and the combined numbers of fishing days shall be taken into account.

A vessel which has fished for 1 to 30 days over the year shall pay the charge in respect of one month. The second monthly payment of this charge shall be due after the first period of 30 days and so on.

Additional monthly payments shall be made not later than 10 days after the first day of each additional period.

4. A logbook in accordance with the ICCAT model in Appendix 4 to this Annex shall be kept on vessels for each fishing period spent in Mauritanian waters. It shall be filled in even when no catches are made.

For periods when a vessel is not in Mauritanian waters, the words 'Outside Mauritanian EEZ' shall be entered in the above logbook.

Within 15 working days of vessels arriving in the port of landing, the logbooks referred to in this point shall be sent to the Ministry and to the national authorities of the Member State.

Failure to comply with one of the above provisions shall entail, without prejudice to the penalties laid down by Mauritanian law, automatic suspension of the fishing licence until the shipowner has met such obligations.

5. Subject to any checks Mauritania may wish to carry out, the Commission, via the Delegation, shall submit to the Ministry, by 15 June each year, a statement of fees due for the previous fishing year on the basis of the catch declarations made by each shipowner and confirmed by the scientific institutes responsible for verifying catch data in the Member States, such as the IRD ( Institut de Recherche pour le Développement ), IEO ( Instituto Español de Oceanografía ), INIAP ( Instituto Nacional de Investigação Agrária e das Pescas ) and IMROP ( Institut Mauritanien de Recherches Océanographiques et des Pêches ).

6. For the last year of application of the Agreement, the statement of the fees due for the previous year shall be notified within four months of expiry of the Agreement.

7. The final statement shall be sent to the shipowners concerned, who shall have 30 days, from the notification and the approval of the amounts by the Ministry, within which to discharge their financial obligations to the competent national authorities. Payment in euro, in favour of the Mauritanian Public Treasury, shall be made into the account mentioned in Chapter IV, point 1(a) no later than one and a half months after that notification.

However, if the amount of the final statement is lower than the advance referred to in point 4 above, the resulting balance shall not be reimbursable to the shipowner.

8. By way of derogation from Chapter I of Annex II, vessels shall be obliged within the three hours before entering or leaving the zone to communicate their position and the volume of the catch on board direct to the Mauritanian authorities, preferably by fax or, failing that, by radio.

The fax number and radio frequency shall be notified by the surveillance authority.

A copy of the fax messages or of the record of radio communications shall be kept by the Mauritanian authorities and the shipowners until both Parties have approved the final statement of fees referred to in point 5.

9. At the request of the Mauritanian authorities and by mutual agreement with the shipowners concerned, tuna seiners shall take a scientific observer on board.

CHAPTER XVRules on pelagic fishing vessels

1. The original licence must be kept on board at all times and presented at the request of the competent Mauritanian authorities. If for practical reasons the original licence cannot be delivered to the vessel immediately after it is issued by the Ministry, keeping a copy or fax on board shall suffice for a maximum of 10 days.

2. Technical inspections of the vessels may take place in Europe. In this case, the travel and subsistence expenses of two persons designated by the Ministry to carry out these inspections shall be payable by the shipowners.

3. The amounts of licence fees shall include all related fees and taxes, with the exception of the parafiscal charge, port taxes and service charges.

If the Community wishes to have an additional quota for category 9, up to a limit of 50 000 tonnes, it shall inform Mauritania thereof not later than 15 February of each year. The two Parties may however decide by mutual agreement to increase that limit, on an annual basis and in accordance with the scientific advice available or after the Joint Scientific Committee has issued an opinion.

On the basis of the information supplied by the Community, a final statement of catches shall be drawn up by 15 September of each year for the previous year.

In accordance with this final statement of catches, approved by the two Parties, and in the event of the overall tonnage of 250 000 tonnes being exceeded, a payment of EUR 40 per tonne fished shall be effected by the Community by way of an additional financial contribution to the Mauritanian Public Treasury.

The principle of a ceiling on catch shall not apply to non-freezer pelagic vessels in category 11.

Fees and any additional amounts shall be paid, in favour of the Treasury, into the account referred to in Chapter IV, point 1(a).

4. Pelagic fishing vessels shall notify the surveillance authority of their intention to enter or leave Mauritanian fishing zones 12 hours in advance of entry and 36 hours in advance of exit. When notifying exit, vessels shall also communicate the volume of and species in catches kept on board.

5. Shipowners shall take all appropriate measures to transport the Mauritanian seamen and scientific observers at their expense.

6. Category 11 pelagic vessels shall be subject to the following rules as regards signing on seamen:

- during the first six months of fishing in Mauritanian fishing zones, vessels shall be exempted from signing on Mauritanian seamen;

- during the following six months of fishing, vessels shall sign on 50% of the seamen provided for in point 1 of Chapter VIII.

At the end of these two six-month periods, point 1 of Chapter VIII shall apply to category 11 vessels.

Appendix 1

MAURITANIA - EUROPEAN COMMUNITY FISHING AGREEMENT

APPLICATION FORM FOR A FISHING LICENCE

I - APPLICANT

1. Name of shipowner: .....................................................................................................................................................

2. Name of the shipowner's association or representative: .............................................................................................

3. Address of the shipowner's association or representative: ........................................................................................

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

4. Telephone: ........................................... Fax: ................................... Telex: ................................................

5. Name of skipper: .................................................................................. Nationality: ..................