Specify the method for calculating the impact on revenue.

Enter as many years as necessary to show the duration of the impact (see point 1.6)

Appropriations available for the current financial year

–◻ The proposal/initiative has the following financial impact:

–☒ The proposal/initiative has no financial impact on revenue.

Enter as many years as necessary to show the duration of the impact (see point 1.6)

–The proposal/initiative provides for the co-financing estimated below:

–The proposal/initiative does not provide for co-financing by third parties.

Explain what is required, specifying the headings and budget lines concerned and the corresponding amounts.

–◻ The proposal/initiative requires application of the flexibility instrument or revision of the multiannual financial framework.

Explain what reprogramming is required, specifying the budget lines concerned and the corresponding amounts.

–◻ The proposal/initiative will entail reprogramming of the relevant heading in the multiannual financial framework.

–☒ The proposal/initiative is compatible the current multiannual financial framework.

Description of tasks to be carried out:

The human resources required will be met by staff from the DG who are already assigned to management of the action and/or have been redeployed within the DG, together if necessary with any additional allocation which may be granted to the managing DG under the annual allocation procedure and in the light of budgetary constraints.

Enter as many years as necessary to show the duration of the impact (see point 1.6)

–◻ The proposal/initiative requires the use of human resources, as explained below:

–☒ The proposal/initiative does not require the use of human resources.

The appropriations required for human resources and other expenditure of an administrative nature will be met by appropriations from the DG that are already assigned to management of the action and/or have been redeployed within the DG, together if necessary with any additional allocation which may be granted to the managing DG under the annual allocation procedure and in the light of budgetary constraints.

Subtotal outside HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework

Outside HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework

Enter as many years as necessary to show the duration of the impact (see point 1.6)

–◻ The proposal/initiative requires the use of appropriations of an administrative nature, as explained below:

–☒ The proposal/initiative does not require the use of appropriations of an administrative nature.

–☒ The proposal/initiative requires the use of operational appropriations, as explained below:

–◻ The proposal/initiative does not require the use of operational appropriations

TOTAL appropriations under HEADINGS 1 to 5 of the multiannual financial framework

TOTAL appropriations under HEADING 5 of the multiannual financial framework

TOTAL appropriations under HEADINGS 1 to 4 of the multiannual financial framework (Reference amount)

• TOTAL appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope for specific programmes

If more than one heading is affected by the proposal/initiative:

TOTAL appropriations under HEADING 2 of the multiannual financial framework

• TOTAL appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope for specific programmes

Appropriations of an administrative nature financed from the envelope of specific programmes

[This section should be filled in using the spreadsheet on budget data of an administrative nature (second document in annex to this financial statement) and uploaded to CISNET for interservice consultation purposes]

within the meaning of Article 21(2)(b) of the Financial Regulation

In order of multiannual financial framework headings and budget lines.

Establishing a governance framework for fishing activities carried out by European Union fishing vessels in third country waters (SFPAs)

within the meaning of Article 21(2)(b) of the Financial Regulation

In order of multiannual financial framework headings and budget lines.

3.1.Heading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s) affected

The Commission undertakes to establish a political dialogue and regular coordination with the Kingdom of Morocco with a view to evaluating and improving the management of the Agreement and the Protocol and strengthening the EU’s contribution to the sustainable management of resources. Any payment which the Commission makes under an SFPA is subject to the Commission’s standard rules and budgetary and financial procedures. In particular, the bank accounts of the third countries into which the financial contribution is paid are fully identified. Under Article 4(4) of the Protocol, the financial contribution of the Union is paid into a dedicated account of the Public Treasury of the Kingdom of Morocco.

2.2.3.Estimate of the costs and benefits of the controls and assessment of the expected level of risk of error

In addition, the Agreement and the Protocol contain specific clauses for their suspension, on certain conditions and in given circumstances.

Extensive dialogue is planned on the programming and implementation of the sectoral policy laid down in the Agreement and the Protocol. Joint analysis of results, as referred to in Article 7 of the Protocol, also forms part of these control methods.

The identified risk is the under-use of fishing opportunities by EU shipowners and the under-use or delayed use by the Kingdom of Morocco of funds intended to finance the sectoral fisheries policy.

Furthermore, the SFPA Agreement provides for at least one annual meeting of the Joint Committee, at which the Commission and the Kingdom of Morocco review the implementation of the Agreement and the Protocol thereto and, if necessary, adjust the programming and, if applicable, the financial contribution.

The Commission (DG MARE, in collaboration with its fisheries attaché based in the Delegation of the EU to Rabat, Morocco) will ensure regular monitoring of the implementation of the Protocol, as regards the use by operators of fishing opportunities, catch data and the respect of sectoral support conditionalities.

–If more than one management mode is indicated, please provide details in the ‘Comments’ section.

–◻ persons entrusted with the implementation of specific actions in the CFSP pursuant to Title V of the TEU, and identified in the relevant basic act.

–◻ bodies governed by the private law of a Member State that are entrusted with the implementation of a public-private partnership and that provide adequate financial guarantees;

–◻ bodies governed by private law with a public service mission to the extent that they provide adequate financial guarantees;

–◻ bodies referred to in Articles 208 and 209 of the Financial Regulation;

–◻ international organisations and their agencies (to be specified);

–◻ third countries or the bodies they have designated;

–☒ By its departments, including by its staff in the Union delegations;

–☒ Proposal/initiative in effect from the entry into force (or, if applicable, the provisional application ) and during 4 years

Funds provided as financial compensation for access under the SFPA constitute fungible revenue in the national budget of Morocco. However, funds intended for sectoral support are allocated (generally by introduction in the annual budget law) to the Ministry responsible for fisheries, as a condition for the conclusion and monitoring of FPAs. These financial resources are compatible with other sources of funding from other providers of international funding for carrying out projects and/or programmes at national level in the fisheries sector. Special provisions apply to the monitoring of the fair distribution of the use of funds.

1.5.4.Compatibility and possible synergy with other appropriate instruments

An analysis of recorded catches in the fishing zone as well as the assessments and scientific advice available led the parties to fix fishing opportunities for 128 Union fishing vessels and a total allowable catch for the industrial pelagic fishing category at 85 000 tonnes for one year, subsequently raised to 90 000 and then to 100 000 tonnes, thereby increasing the availability of the resource for the Union fleet (80 000 tonnes under the previous Protocol). Sectoral support takes into account needs related to economic development support in the fisheries sector and to surveillance and control by the fisheries administration.

The signing and conclusion of this new Agreement and the Implementation Protocol thereto is necessary to allow access by Union vessels and the pursuit of their fishing activities. The previous Agreement remains in force but without an Implementation Protocol since the expiry of the 2014-2018 Protocol on 14 July 2018. This prevents fishing activities by Union vessels in the fishing zone because, under the Agreement and also Article 31 of Regulation (EC) No 1380/2013, a protocol with the partner country of an SFPA is required as the sole procedure enabling Union vessels to carry out fishing activities. Consequently, the added value for the Union’s long-distance fleet is explicit. The Protocol also offers a framework for enhanced cooperation with the EU.

The strengthening of cooperation between the Union and the Kingdom of Morocco makes it possible to promote the development of a sustainable fisheries policy. It provides, in particular, for vessels to be monitored via VMS and, in future, for the electronic transmission of catch data. The sectoral support available under the Protocol will help the Kingdom of Morocco with its national fisheries strategy, including the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The new Protocol is necessary to provide a framework for the fishing activities of the Union fleet in the fishing zone referred to in the Protocol. Once it has been applied, EU shipowners may apply for fishing authorisations to fish in that zone.

1.5.1.Requirement(s) to be met in the short or long term

Contribution to improving research, surveillance and control of fishing activity by the partner country and the development of its fisheries sector, in particular its small-scale fisheries sector.

Contribution to employment and to added value in the EU and to stabilising the EU market (in aggregate with other SFPAs).

Catch data (gathering and analysis) and the commercial value of the Agreement.

Rates of utilisation of fishing opportunities (annual uptake of fishing authorisations as a percentage of availability under the Protocol).

Specify the indicators for monitoring implementation of the proposal/initiative.

Finally the Protocol will contribute to the Kingdom of Morocco’s blue economy by promoting growth linked to maritime activity and the sustainable exploitation of its marine resources.

It will also contribute to better management and conservation of fishery resources, through financial support (sectoral support) for the implementation of programmes adopted at national level by the partner country, in particular as regards monitoring and combating illegal fishing and support for the small-scale fisheries sector, by seeing to the fair geographical distribution of the socio-economic benefits resulting from this support.

The new Fisheries Agreement and the Implementation Protocol thereto make it possible to establish a strategic sustainable fisheries partnership between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco. The application of the Protocol will create fishing opportunities for Union vessels in the defined fishing zone.

Specify the effects which the proposal/initiative should have on the beneficiaries/groups targeted.

Maritime affairs and fisheries, to establish a governance framework for fishing activities carried out by European Union fishing vessels in third country waters (SFAs) (budget line 11.03.01).

To contribute to sustainable fishing in non-EU waters, maintain a European presence in distant-water fisheries and protect the interests of the European fisheries sector and consumers by negotiating and concluding SFPAs with coastal states, consistent with other European policies.

SFPAs also ensure consistency between the principles governing the Common Fisheries Policy and the commitments made under other European policies (sustainable use of third-country resources, combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, integration of partner countries into the global economy and better political and financial governance of fisheries).

The negotiation and conclusion of Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) with third countries meet the general objective of giving EU fishing vessels access to the fishing zones of third countries and developing a partnership with those countries with a view to strengthening the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources outside EU waters.

◻ The proposal/initiative relates to an action redirected towards a new action

◻ The proposal/initiative relates to the extension of an existing action

◻ The proposal/initiative relates to a new action following a pilot project/preparatory action

11.03.01 – Establishing a governance framework for fishing activities carried out by Union fishing vessels in third country waters.

11.03 – Compulsory contributions to regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) and other international organisations and sustainable fisheries agreements (SFAs).

Proposal for a Council Decision on the signing, on behalf of the Union, of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, the Implementation Protocol thereto and the exchange of letters accompanying the Agreement

3.1.Heading(s) of the multiannual financial framework and expenditure budget line(s) affected

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

The President of the Council shall, on behalf of the Union, give the notification provided for in Article 17 of the Fisheries Agreement and Article 15 of the Implementation Protocol thereto.

In accordance with the provisions and conditions laid down in Annex II to this Decision, the Commission is authorised to approve, on behalf of the Union, the amendments to the Protocol adopted by the Joint Committee established under Article 13 of the Fisheries Agreement.

The text of the Fisheries Agreement and of the Implementation Protocol thereto, including the Annex and Appendices thereto, and of the exchange of letters accompanying the Agreement are attached to this Decision as Annex I.

The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, the Implementation Protocol thereto and the exchange of letters accompanying the said Agreement are hereby approved on behalf of the Union.

(15)Article 13 of the Agreement establishes the Joint Committee responsible for monitoring its implementation. The Joint Committee may adopt amendments to the Implementation Protocol, in accordance with Article 13(3) of the Fisheries Agreement. In order to facilitate the approval of these modifications, the Commission should be empowered, subject to specific conditions, to approve such modifications under a simplified procedure.

(14)The Fisheries Agreement, the Implementation Protocol thereto and the exchange of letters accompanying the said Agreement should be approved on behalf of the Union,

(13)In accordance with Council Decision (EU) 2018/..., the new Fisheries Agreement, the Implementation Protocol thereto and an exchange of letters accompanying the Agreement were signed on [insert date of signature] subject to the conclusion of the said Agreement and Protocol at a later date.

(12) Those who refused to participate in the process rejected the application of the Agreement and the Protocol thereto to the waters off Western Sahara, because they essentially considered that such an agreement would affirm Morocco's position on the territory of Western Sahara. However, there is nothing in the terms of the Agreement to suggest that it would recognise Morocco’s sovereignty or sovereign rights over Western Sahara and the adjacent waters. The Union will also continue to step up its efforts in support of the process, initiated and pursued under the auspices of the UN, of peacefully resolving the dispute.

(11)In view of the considerations set out in the Court of Justice’s judgment, the Commission together with the European External Action Service took all reasonable and feasible measures in the current context to properly involve the populations concerned in order to ensure that their position on the Fisheries Agreement is expressed and taken into account. Extensive consultations were carried out in Western Sahara and in Morocco, and the socio-economic and political actors who participated in the consultations were clearly in favour of concluding the Fisheries Agreement, while the Polisario Front and some other parties refused to take part in the consultation process as a matter of principle.

(10)Equally, the Fisheries Agreement represents the best guarantee for the sustainable exploitation of the natural resources of the waters adjacent to Western Sahara, since the fishing activities comply with the best scientific advice and recommendations in this area and are subject to appropriate monitoring and control measures,

(9)The evaluation concluded that the Fisheries Agreement should be extremely beneficial to the populations of Western Sahara owing to the positive socio-economic impacts for these populations, particularly in terms of employment and investment, and to its impact on the development of the fisheries sector and fish processing sector.

(8)The Commission assessed the potential impact of the Fisheries Agreement on sustainable development, in particular as regards the benefits for the populations concerned and the exploitation of the natural resources of the territories concerned,

(7)The objective of the Fisheries Agreement is to enable the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco to work together more closely on promoting a sustainable fisheries policy and sound exploitation of fishery resources in the fishing zone defined in the Protocol and supporting the Kingdom of Morocco’s efforts to develop the fisheries sector and a blue economy. It thereby contributes to achieving the objectives of the Union under Article 21 of the Treaty on European Union,

(6)To this end, the Council authorised the Commission on 16 April 2018 to begin negotiations with the Kingdom of Morocco with a view to amending the Partnership Agreement and agreeing on a new Implementation Protocol thereto. Following these negotiations, a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco (‘the Fisheries Agreement’), including a new Implementation Protocol, an Annex and Appendices thereto as well as an exchange of letters accompanying the Fisheries Agreement, was initialled on 24 July 2018.

(5)Union fleets should be able to continue the fishing activities they have pursued since the entry into force of the Agreement, and the scope of application of the Agreement should be defined so as to include the waters adjacent to Western Sahara. Furthermore, the continuation of the Fisheries Partnership is essential in order for this territory to continue to benefit from the sectoral support provided under the Agreement, in compliance with Community and international law and for the benefit of the local populations,

(4)The Union does not prejudice the outcome of the political process on the final status of Western Sahara taking place under the auspices of the United Nations, and it has constantly reaffirmed its commitment to the settlement of the dispute in Western Sahara, which is currently listed by the United Nations as a non-self-governing territory and administered principally by the Kingdom of Morocco. It fully supports the efforts made by the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy to assist the parties in achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution which will allow the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara as part of arrangements consistent with the objectives and principles set out in the Charter of the United Nations and enshrined in United Nations Security Council resolutions, and in particular UNSCR 2152 (2014), UNSCR 2218 (2015), UNSCR 2385 (2016), UNSCR 2351 (2017) and UNSCR 2414 (2018),

(3)In its judgment in case C-266/16 in reply to a request for a preliminary ruling on the validity and interpretation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco and the Implementation Protocol thereto, the Court held that neither the Agreement nor the Protocol thereto apply to the waters adjacent to Western Sahara,

(2)The last Protocol implementing this Agreement and setting out the fishing opportunities and financial contribution provided for therein expired on 14 July 2018.

(1)On 22 May 2006, the Council adopted Regulation (EC) No 764/2006 on the conclusion of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco, which was then tacitly renewed,

Having regard to the consent of the European Parliament,

Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(2) thereof in conjunction with Article 218(6)(a)(v), and Article 218(7),

on the conclusion of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, the Implementation Protocol thereto and an exchange of letters accompanying the said Agreement

The monitoring arrangements are provided for in the Protocol included in the new Partnership Agreement.

b) support for development of the Kingdom of Morocco’s sectoral fisheries policy for an amount of EUR 17 900 000 per year for the first year of application of the Protocol, increased to EUR 18 800 000 in the second year and to EUR 20 500 000 for the third and fourth year. This support meets the objectives of the Kingdom of Morocco’s national policy on the sustainable management of continental and maritime fishery resources.

a) a financial contribution for access by Union vessels of EUR 19 100 000 for the first year of application of the Protocol, increased to EUR 20 000 000 in the second year and to EUR 21 900 000 for the third and fourth year;

The annual financial contribution is EUR 37 000 000, increased annually to reach EUR 42 400 000, in the last year on the basis of:

The Commission used an independent consultant for the ex-post and ex-ante evaluations, in accordance with the provisions of Article 31(10) of the Regulation establishing the Common Fisheries Policy.

The Member States, industry representatives and international civil society organisations, as well as the Kingdom of Morocco’s fisheries administration and civil society representatives, were consulted as part of the evaluation. Furthermore, consultations took place within the framework of the Long Distance Advisory Council, and the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) arranged consultations with the relevant populations in Western Sahara in order to ensure that they can express their views on the extension of the partnership to the waters adjacent to Western Sahara and that they benefit from the socio-economic impacts of the Fisheries Agreement in a way that is proportionate to the fishing activities. A report on the benefit assessment for these populations and on the consultations conducted is attached to this proposal as a Commission staff working document. The report concludes that the socio-economic impacts of the Fisheries Agreement will benefit the populations concerned and that it will have a positive impact on the sustainable development of natural resources. Similarly, the socio-economic and political actors who participated in the consultations were clearly in favour of concluding the Fisheries Agreement, even though the Polisario Front and some other parties refused to take part in the consultation process as a matter of principle. It can therefore be concluded that the Commission together with the EEAS took all reasonable and feasible measures in the current context to properly involve the populations concerned.

The evaluation concluded that the EU fishing sector is firmly interested in carrying out its activity in the fishing zone referred to in the Protocol and that a renewal of the Protocol would help strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance and contribute to improved governance of the fisheries in the region.

In 2017, the Commission carried out an ex-post evaluation of the 2014-2018 Protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, along with an ex-ante evaluation of a possible renewal of the Protocol. The conclusions of the evaluation are presented in a separate working document.

The proposal is proportionate to the objective of establishing a legal, environmental, economic and social governance framework for fishing activities carried out by Union vessels in third country waters, as set out in Article 31 of the Regulation establishing the Common Fisheries Policy. It complies with those provisions as well as with those on financial assistance to third countries laid down in Article 32 of that Regulation.

The proposal falls under the exclusive competence of the European Union.

The legal basis chosen is the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Article 43(2) of which establishes the Common Fisheries Policy and Article 218(6)(a)(v) the relevant stage of the procedure for the negotiation and conclusion of agreements between the Union and third countries.

The negotiation of a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement with the Kingdom of Morocco forms part of the Union’s external action and takes into account, in particular, Union objectives on respecting democratic principles and human rights. It is consistent with the Union’s position to support the efforts made by the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy to assist the parties in achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution which will allow the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara as part of arrangements consistent with the objectives and principles set out in the Charter of the United Nations and enshrined in United Nations Security Council resolutions, and in particular UNSCR 2152 (2014), UNSCR 2218 (2015), UNSCR 2385 (2016), UNSCR 2351 (2017) and UNSCR 2414 (2018). The conclusion of the Fisheries Agreement in no way prejudices the outcome of the political process relating to the final status of Western Sahara.

– industrial pelagic fishing with pelagic or semi-pelagic trawls and with purse seines.

– demersal fishing in the south with bottom trawls and with bottom-set longlines;

– two categories of small-scale fishing in the north: pelagic fishing with seines and with bottom-set longlines;

The Protocol provides for fishing opportunities for 128 vessels in 6 categories:

The main objective of the Fisheries Agreement and the new Protocol thereto is to establish, through a partnership, sustainable fisheries and to offer fishing opportunities to Union vessels in the fishing zone defined in the Fisheries Agreement. The opportunities offered are based on the best available scientific advice and, for fisheries catching highly migratory species, comply with the recommendations of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT). The new Protocol takes account of the results of an evaluation of the previous Protocol (2014-2018) and a forward-looking assessment of whether a new Protocol should be concluded. Both were carried out by external experts. The Protocol will also enable the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco to strengthen their partnership in order to promote sound exploitation of fisheries resources in the fishing zone and to support the Kingdom of Morocco’s efforts to develop its blue economy. These elements are consistent with the objectives and obligations of the Common Fisheries Policy.

Finally, this proposal is accompanied by a Commission staff working document (SWD) entitled ‘Report on the evaluation of the benefits for the population of Western Sahara resulting from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco and the Implementation Protocol thereto and on the consultation of that population’. That report includes an assessment of the potential implications of the Agreement and the Protocol thereto for sustainable development, in particular regarding the impact on the population concerned and the exploitation of the natural resources of the territories concerned, and a summary of the consultation of these populations, in accordance with the negotiating directives, under which inclusion of these populations is a decisive element when renewing the Fisheries Agreement.

In accordance with the negotiating directives, the Agreement provides guarantees for a fair geographical distribution of the socio-economic benefits, in a way proportionate to the fishing activities, resulting from the use of the total financial contribution under the Agreement (i.e. financial compensation for access, sectoral support and fees paid by shipowners). These guarantees include, in particular, monitoring the allocation of such funds and their use, which is the duty, above all, of the Joint Committee set up by the Agreement and where both parties are represented. There are also provisions whereby Morocco is to submit regular reports on the activities carried out under this Agreement.

The Protocol covers a period of four years as from the date of its application, as defined in Article 16 thereof. The new Fisheries Agreement repeals the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco that entered into force on 28 February 2007. It provides for the possibility of its provisional application prior to its conclusion; however, it is not considered necessary to propose such a provisional application. The new Agreement aims to reflect the principles of the 2009 reform: good fisheries governance and sustainability, respect for human rights, transparency and non-discrimination. Amending the Agreement is necessary also in order to comply with the Court’s judgment of 27 February 2018 and provide the legal basis for applying the Agreement to the waters adjacent to the territory of Western Sahara.

The texts agreed upon by the negotiators following a number of meetings include the Agreement itself, which establishes a Sustainable Fisheries Partnership between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco (‘the Fisheries Agreement’) and replaces the 2007 Agreement, a new Implementation Protocol, an Annex and Appendices, and an exchange of letters. These texts were initialled on 24 July 2018.

In addition, the proposal for a new Agreement and a new Protocol complies fully with international and Union law. The Union has constantly reaffirmed its commitment to the settlement of the dispute in Western Sahara and supports the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and his personal envoy to assist the parties in reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution. In this respect, the exchange of letters accompanying this proposal reiterates the Union’s position with regard to Western Sahara.

These negotiations and the resulting texts take full account of the judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 27 February 2018 in Case C-266/16, whereby the Fisheries Agreement and the Protocol thereto do not apply to the waters adjacent to the territory of Western Sahara. In view of the considerations set out in the Court of Justice’s judgment, and in accordance with the wishes of both parties, during the negotiations it was nonetheless possible to include that territory and the waters adjacent thereto in the Fisheries Partnership for several reasons. Firstly, from an economic point of view, it is important for the Union fleet to carry out its fishing activities, including in those waters, within a legally secure framework with a clearly specified geographical scope. Another objective is to ensure that this territory and its population benefit from the economic and social impacts of the Agreement, in a way that is proportionate to the fishing activities, in particular through the catches landed by the EU fleet, the employment of seamen, as well as investments and other support for the sector made possible by the financial contribution provided for in the Protocol to the Fisheries Agreement. In addition, it should be noted that the Kingdom of Morocco, which administers this territory (at least the greater part), is the only entity with which such an agreement can be concluded in the light of the fact that no other entity could guarantee the sustainable exploitation of those resources and the management and monitoring of the funds of the sectoral support available for the territory of Western Sahara and its population.

On the basis of the negotiating directives adopted by the Council, the Commission conducted negotiations with the Government of Morocco with a view to amending the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco and agreeing on a new Implementation Protocol thereto.

A Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco entered into force on 28 February 2007. The last Implementation Protocol to this Agreement entered into force on 15 July 2014 and expired on 14 July 2018. More generally, the current Partnership Agreement is part of the relations between the Union and Morocco under the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an Association between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, which entered into force in 2000. The aim of the Agreement is to ensure the sound management and sustainability of fisheries resources from the ecological, economic and social point of view.

•Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

on the conclusion of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, the Implementation Protocol thereto and an exchange of letters accompanying the said Agreement

EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 8.10.2018 COM(2018) 678 final ANNEXES to the proposal for a Council Decision on the conclusion of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, the Implementation Protocol thereto and an exchange of letters accompanying the Agreement



ANNEX I Exchange of letters between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco accompanying the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco A. Letter from the Union Dear Sir/Madam, I have the honour to refer to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco (‘the Fisheries Agreement’) in regard to certain provisions of that Agreement. Following negotiations, the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed as follows: 1.With regard to Western Sahara, the Parties reaffirm their support for the United Nations process and the Secretary-General’s efforts to achieve a final political solution in accordance with the principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations and on the basis of Security Council resolutions. 2.The Fisheries Agreement is being concluded without prejudice to the Parties’ respective positions: –for the European Union, references in the Fisheries Agreement to Moroccan laws and regulations are without prejudice to its position concerning the status of the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara, whose adjacent waters are part of the fishing zone defined in Article 1(h) of the Fisheries Agreement, and its right to self-determination, –for the Kingdom of Morocco, the Sahara region is an integral part of the national territory over which it exercises full sovereignty in the same manner as for the rest of the national territory. Morocco considers that any solution to this regional dispute should be based on its autonomy initiative. I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above. Please accept, Sir, Madam, the assurance of my highest consideration. B. Letter from the Kingdom of Morocco Dear Sir/Madam, I have the honour to acknowledge receipt of your letter of today’s date, which reads as follows: ‘Dear Sir/Madam, I have the honour to refer to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco (‘the Fisheries Agreement’) in regard to certain provisions of that Agreement.

Following negotiations, the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco have agreed as follows: 1.With regard to Western Sahara, the Parties reaffirm their support for the United Nations process and the Secretary-General’s efforts to achieve a final political solution in accordance with the principles and objectives of the Charter of the United Nations and on the basis of Security Council resolutions. 2.The Fisheries Agreement is concluded without prejudice to the respective positions: –for the European Union, references in the Fisheries Agreement to Moroccan laws and regulations are without prejudice to its position concerning the status of the non-self-governing territory of Western Sahara, whose adjacent waters are part of the fishing zone defined in Article 1(h) of the Fisheries Agreement, and its right to self-determination, –for the Kingdom of Morocco, the Sahara region is an integral part of the national territory over which it exercises full sovereignty in the same manner as for the rest of the national territory. Morocco considers that any solution to this regional dispute should be based on its autonomy initiative. I should be obliged if you would confirm that your Government is in agreement with the above. Please accept, Sir, Madam, the assurance of my highest consideration.’ I am able to confirm that my Government is in agreement with the content of your letter. Please accept, Sir, Madam, the assurance of my highest consideration. PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT on sustainable fisheries between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco THE EUROPEAN UNION, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Union’, and THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO, hereinafter referred to as ‘Morocco’, Both referred to as ‘the Parties’, CONSIDERING the close working relationship between the Union and Morocco, particularly in the context of the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Kingdom of Morocco, of the other part, and their mutual desire to intensify this relationship; COMMITTED to strict compliance with international law and fundamental human rights while ensuring mutual benefits for the Parties concerned; BEARING in mind that this Agreement forms part of their comprehensive partnership covering economic, political and security matters and the fight against irregular migration, including its root causes; HAVING REGARD TO the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS);

AWARE of the importance of the principles laid down by the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries adopted at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Conference in 1995; DETERMINED to apply the decisions and recommendations adopted by the relevant regional fisheries organisations of which the Parties are members; AIMING, to these ends, to take into account available scientific advice and relevant management plans adopted by the competent regional fisheries management organisations so as to ensure the environmental sustainability of fishing activities and to promote ocean governance internationally; RESOLVED, for these purposes, to set up a dialogue on matters such as fisheries governance, the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and the monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities; AIMING for access to the fishing zone to be based on the activity of the Union fishing fleet and for it to obtain an appropriate share of surplus fishery resources, taking into account the specificity of each Agreement, and to benefit from the technical fishing conditions applying to all fleets; CONVINCED that the partnership must be based on initiatives and measures which, whether taken jointly or individually, are complementary and consistent with policy and ensure synergy of efforts; DECIDED, to these ends, to help promote, within the framework of Morocco’s sectoral fisheries policy, including in the fishing zone covered by this Agreement, the development of a partnership with a view, in particular, to identifying the most appropriate means of ensuring that this policy is effectively implemented and that economic operators and civil society are involved in the process; AIMING to lay down the terms and conditions for access to the fishing zone by Union vessels and, in this regard, to ensure that their fishing activities exclusively target available resources, taking into account the fishing capacity of the fleets operating in the zone while paying special attention to the straddling and highly migratory nature of certain species; DETERMINED to pursue closer economic and social cooperation with a view to establishing and strengthening sustainable fisheries and contributing to improved ocean governance, including by developing investments in line with the country’s development objectives involving enterprises of the Parties; HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS: GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 Definitions For the purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply: (a)‘authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco’ means the Ministry of Agriculture, Sea Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests — Sea Fisheries Department; (b)‘Union authorities’ means the European Commission; (c)‘Agreement’ means this Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco, the accompanying exchange of letters, the Protocol on the implementation of this Agreement and the Annex and Appendices thereto; (d)‘fishing activity’ means searching for fish, shooting, setting, towing, hauling of a fishing gear, taking catch on board, transhipping, retaining on board, processing on board, transferring, caging, fattening and landing of fish and fishery products; (e) ‘fishing vessel’ means any vessel equipped for commercial exploitation of marine biological resources; (f)‘Union vessel’ means a fishing vessel flying the flag of a Member State of the Union and registered in the Union;

(g)‘shipowner’ means the person who is legally responsible for and in charge and control of a fishing vessel; (h)‘fishing zone’ means the waters of the Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean between the parallels 35° 47’ 18'' north and 20° 46’ 13'' north, including the adjacent waters of Western Sahara, covering all management areas. This definition shall not affect any negotiations on the delimitation of the sea areas of coastal States bordering the fishing zone or the rights of third countries in general; (i)‘management area’ means an area of activity delimited by geographical coordinates, permitted gears or authorised species; (j)‘fishing authorisation’ means a fishing licence issued by the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco to a Union fishing vessel, conferring the right to engage in fishing activities in the fishing zone; (k)‘direct fishing authorisation’ means a fishing licence issued by the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco to a Union fishing vessel outside the scope of the Agreement; (l)‘stock’ means a marine biological resource found in a given area; (m)‘fishery products’ means aquatic organisms caught as a result of fishing activities; (n)‘aquaculture products’ means aquatic organisms at any stage of their life cycle resulting from any aquaculture activity or products derived therefrom; (o)‘fisheries sector’ means the sector of the economy encompassing all activities of production, processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products; (p)‘fisherman’ means any person engaging in commercial fishing activities recognised by the Parties; (q)‘fishing opportunity’ means a quantified legal entitlement to fish, expressed in terms of catches or fishing effort; (r)‘sustainable fishing’ means fishing in line with the objectives and principles laid down by the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries adopted at the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Conference in 1995. Article 2 Subject matter This Agreement sets up a framework for legal, environmental, economic and social governance for fishing activities carried out by Union vessels, laying down in particular: (a)the conditions under which Union vessels may engage in fishing activities in the fishing zone; (b)economic and financial cooperation in the fisheries sector with a view to establishing a partnership in support of the fisheries sector and strengthening ocean governance; (c)administrative cooperation in order to implement the financial contribution; (d)scientific and technical cooperation with a view to ensuring the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in the fishing zone and developing the fisheries sector; (e)cooperation on inspection and surveillance measures for monitoring activities in the fishing zone, so as to ensure that the rules in force are complied with and guarantee that measures aimed at conserving fisheries resources and managing fishing activities are effective, in particular with a view to combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Article 3 Principles and objectives regarding the implementation of this Agreement 1. The Parties undertake to promote sustainable fishing in the fishing zone based on the principle of non-discrimination between the different fleets present in that zone. 2. The authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco undertake to ensure that access to the fishing zone is based on the activity of the Union fishing fleet. The authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall ensure that the European fleet receives an appropriate share of surplus fishery resources, taking into account the specificity of each agreement. The European fleet shall be granted the same technical fishing conditions as all other fleets. 3. The Parties undertake to inform one another about any fisheries agreements and arrangements entered into with a third party. 4. The Parties agree that Union fishing vessels are only to catch the allowable catch surplus referred to in Article 62(2) and (3) of the UNCLOS, as identified, in a clear and transparent manner, on the basis of available and relevant scientific advice and relevant information exchanged between the Parties on the total fishing effort exerted on the affected stocks by all fleets operating in the fishing zone. 5. With respect to straddling or highly migratory fish stocks, the Parties shall take due account of scientific assessments conducted at regional level as well as conservation and management measures adopted by relevant regional fisheries management organisations to determine the resources available for access. 6. The Parties undertake to ensure that this Agreement is implemented under a legal, environmental, economic and social governance framework with respect to the fishing activities of Union vessels. 7. The Parties undertake, in their mutual interest, to establish a close dialogue, facilitate consultation and inform one another in particular on the implementation of sectoral fisheries policy and ocean governance. 8. The Parties shall also cooperate in carrying out ex ante, ongoing and ex post evaluations, both jointly and unilaterally, of measures, programmes and actions implemented under this Agreement. 9. The Parties undertake to ensure that the Declaration of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) on fundamental principles and rights at work is fully applicable to all seamen signed on to Union vessels, in particular as regards freedom of association, collective bargaining and the elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation. 10. This Agreement is in line with the Euro-Mediterranean Agreement establishing an association between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco of 26 February 1996, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Association Agreement’. It helps to meet the general objectives of the Association Agreement and aims to ensure the sustainability of fisheries resources from an ecological, economic and social perspective. 11. The Agreement shall be implemented in accordance with Article 1 of the Association Agreement on developing dialogue and cooperation and Article 2 of the same Agreement concerning the respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights. Article 4 Access to the fishing zone by Union vessels The authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco undertake to authorise Union vessels to engage in fishing activities in the fishing zone in accordance with this Agreement. Article 5 Conditions for carrying out fishing activities and exclusivity clause 1. In order to engage in fishing activities in the fishing zone covered by this Agreement, Union vessels must be in possession of a fishing authorisation issued under this Agreement. Any fishing activity outside the framework of this Agreement shall be prohibited. 2. The authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall not issue fishing authorisations to Union vessels other than under this Agreement. It shall be prohibited to issue any fishing authorisation to Union vessels outside the framework of this agreement, in particular in the form of direct authorisations.

3. The procedure for obtaining a fishing authorisation for a vessel, the fees applicable and the method of payment to be used by shipowners shall be as set out in the Protocol and the Annex and Appendices thereto. 4. The Parties shall ensure the proper implementation of these procedures and conditions by way of appropriate administrative cooperation between their competent authorities. Article 6 Laws and regulations governing fishing activities 1. With a view to ensuring a regulatory framework for sustainable fishing, Union vessels operating in the fishing zone shall comply with the Moroccan laws and regulations governing fishing activities in that zone, unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement. The authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall notify the Union authorities of the applicable laws and regulations no later than one month prior to the application of this Agreement. 2. The Union undertakes to take all appropriate measures to ensure that its vessels comply with this Agreement and with the notified laws and regulations, and that the monitoring, control and surveillance measures relating to fishing activities under this Agreement are effectively applied. Union vessels must cooperate with the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco responsible for monitoring, control and surveillance. 3. The Parties shall inform one another before adopting any general decision that may have a bearing on the activities of Union vessels under this Agreement. The Parties shall notify one another of any changes in their respective fisheries policy or legislation with a potential impact on the activities of Union vessels under this Agreement. Any amendments to legislation affecting the activities of Union vessels in the fishing zone shall be enforceable with respect to Union vessels from the 60th day, save in exceptional cases where this time limit is not applicable, after the Union authorities have received the notification from Morocco.



GENERAL COMMITMENTS AND OBLIGATIONS Article 7 Partnership The Parties agree to strengthen their partnership, including in the fields of scientific cooperation, cooperation between economic operators, cooperation in the area of monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS), combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and administrative cooperation aimed at implementing a sustainable fisheries policy. Article 8 Scientific cooperation 1. During the period covered by the Agreement, the Parties shall cooperate to monitor the state of resources in the fishing zone. To this end, a joint scientific meeting shall be set up, to be held once a year alternately in the Union and in Morocco. 2. Based on the conclusions of the scientific meeting and the best available scientific advice, the Parties shall consult each other in the Joint Committee provided for in Article 13 and, where necessary and by mutual agreement, take measures to ensure the sustainable management of fisheries resources. 3. The Parties undertake to consult each other, either directly or within the relevant international organisations, on the management and conservation of living resources and to cooperate with respect to scientific research in this field. Article 9

Cooperation between economic operators 1. The Parties shall encourage economic, scientific and technical cooperation in the fisheries sector and related sectors. They shall consult one another in order to facilitate and promote various measures that might be taken to this end. 2. The Parties undertake to promote the exchange of information on fishing techniques and gear, preservation methods and the industrial processing of fisheries products. 3. The Parties shall endeavour to create conditions favourable to the promotion of relations between their enterprises in the technical, economic and commercial spheres, by helping to create an environment favourable to the development of business and investment. 4. The Parties shall encourage, in particular, the promotion of investments in their mutual interest, in compliance with the legislation in force. Article 10 Cooperation in the area of monitoring, control and surveillance and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing 1. The Parties undertake to cooperate in the area of monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities in the fishing zone and to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing with a view to establishing sustainable fishing. 2. The authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall ensure that the provisions relating to fisheries inspection laid down in this Agreement and in the Protocol hereto are applied effectively. Union vessels shall cooperate with the Moroccan authorities responsible for carrying out such inspections. Article 11 Administrative cooperation To ensure that measures for the conservation and management of fishery resources are effective, the Parties shall: –put in place administrative cooperation with a view to ensuring that Union vessels comply with the provisions of this Agreement, in particular those referred to in Article 6; –cooperate to prevent and combat illegal fishing, in particular through the exchange of information and close administrative cooperation. Article 12 Financial contribution 1. The financial contribution is defined in the Protocol and the Annex and Appendices thereto. 2. The financial contribution referred to in paragraph 1 shall include: (a)financial compensation granted by the Union for access by Union vessels to the fishing zone; (b)fees to be paid by the owners of the Union vessels;

(c)sectoral support granted by the Union towards the implementation of a sustainable fisheries policy and ocean governance, subject to annual and multiannual programming. 3. The financial contribution granted by the Union shall be paid each year in accordance with the Protocol. 4. The Parties shall seek a fair geographical and social distribution of the socio-economic benefits arising from this Agreement, in particular in terms of infrastructure, basic social services, the setting-up of businesses, vocational training and programmes aimed at developing and modernising the fisheries sector, to ensure that this distribution benefits the relevant populations in a way that is proportionate to the fishing activities. 5. The amount of the financial contribution referred to in paragraph 2(a) may be revised by the Joint Committee if: (a)the fishing opportunities granted to Union vessels are reduced, in particular for the purposes of managing the stocks concerned where this is considered necessary for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of resources on the basis of the best available scientific advice; (b)the fishing opportunities granted to Union vessels are increased if, according to the best available scientific advice, the state of resources so permits; (c)the agreement is suspended or terminated pursuant to Articles 20 and 21 thereof. 6. The financial contribution referred to in paragraph 2(c) shall be: (a)dissociated from the payments regarding access costs referred to in paragraph 2(a) and (b); (b)determined and conditioned by the achievement of the objectives of sectoral support in accordance with the Protocol and the annual and multiannual programming for its implementation. 7. The amount of the financial contribution referred to in paragraph 2(c) may be reviewed by the Joint Committee in the case of a reassessment of the terms of financial support for sectoral policy implementation. INSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS Article 13 Joint Committee 1. A Joint Committee shall be set up, made up of representatives of the Parties. It shall be responsible for monitoring the application of this Agreement and may amend the Protocol and the Annex and Appendices thereto. 2. The Joint Committee shall: (a)monitor the performance, interpretation and application of this Agreement, in particular the definition of the annual and multiannual programming referred to in Article 12(6)(b) and the evaluation of its implementation; (b)define and evaluate the annual and multiannual programming of the financial contribution referred to in Article 12(2)(c); (c)examine the geographical and social distribution of socio-economic benefits to the relevant populations as referred to in Article 12(4); (d)provide the necessary liaison for matters of mutual interest relating to fisheries;

(e)act as a forum for the amicable settlement of any disputes regarding the interpretation or application of this Agreement. 3. The Joint Committee may approve amendments to the Protocol and the Annex and Appendices thereto concerning: (a)an adjustment of the fishing opportunities and, as a consequence, of the financial contribution referred to in Article 12(2)(a) and (b); (b)the sectoral support arrangements and, as a consequence, the financial contribution referred to in Article 12(2)(c); (c)the technical conditions and arrangements under which Union vessels carry out their fishing activities; (d)any other function that the Parties decide, by mutual agreement, to confer on it, including with regard to combating IUU fishing and ocean governance. 5. The Joint Committee shall meet at least once a year, alternately in Morocco and in the Union or as otherwise agreed by the Parties, and shall be chaired by the Party hosting the meeting. It shall hold a special meeting at the request of either Party. The conclusions of Joint Committee meetings shall be recorded in minutes signed by the Parties. 6. The Joint Committee may adopt its own rules of procedure. Article 14 Area of application This Agreement shall apply to the territories subject, on the one hand, to the Treaty establishing the European Union and, on the other hand, to the laws and regulations referred to in Article 6(1). FINAL PROVISIONS Article 15 Dispute settlement The Parties shall consult each other on any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of this Agreement. Article 16 Status of the Protocol, Annex, Appendices and Exchange of Letters The Protocol and the Annex and Appendices thereto and the Exchange of Letters accompanying this Agreement shall form an integral part of the Agreement and shall also be governed by these final provisions. Article 17

Language and entry into force This Agreement is drawn up in the Arabic, Bulgarian, Czech, Croatian, Estonian, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Spanish and Swedish languages, each of these texts being equally authentic. It will enter into force on the date on which the Parties notify each other that they have completed the necessary procedures for that purpose. Article 18 Duration This Agreement shall apply for an unlimited period. Article 19 Provisional application This Agreement may be applied on a provisional basis from the date of signature authorised by the Council of the Union where the Parties have mutually agreed to this in an exchange of notifications. Article 20 Suspension 1. Application of this Agreement may be suspended at the initiative of either one of the Parties in one or more of the following cases: (a)where circumstances, other than natural phenomena, arise which are beyond the reasonable control of one of the Parties and are such as to prevent fishing in the fishing zone; (b)where a dispute arises between the Parties over the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement, in particular as regards compliance with Articles 6, 10 and 12; (c)where one of the Parties fails to comply with this Agreement; (d)where the sectoral policy that led to the conclusion of this Agreement changes significantly, triggering a request by either one of the Parties to amend it. 2. Suspension of application of this Agreement shall be notified by the interested Party to the other Party in writing and shall take effect 3 months after receipt of notification. Dispatch of this notification shall open consultations between the Parties with a view to finding an amicable solution to their dispute within 3 months. 3. Where differences are not resolved amicably and suspension is implemented, the Parties shall continue to consult each other with a view to finding a settlement to their dispute. Once such settlement is reached, implementation of the Agreement shall resume and the amount of the financial contribution referred to in Article 12(2) shall, unless otherwise agreed, be reduced proportionately and pro rata temporis according to the period during which implementation of the Agreement was suspended. Article 21

Termination 1. This Agreement may be terminated at the initiative of either one of the Parties in one or more of the following cases: (a)where circumstances, other than natural phenomena, arise which are beyond the reasonable control of one of the Parties and are such as to prevent fishing in the fishing zone; (b)in the event of degradation of the stocks concerned; (c)in the event of reduced exploitation of the fishing opportunities granted to Union vessels; (d)where undertakings made by the Parties with regard to combating IUU fishing are not complied with; (e)where a dispute arises between the Parties over the interpretation or implementation of this Agreement; (f)where one of the Parties fails to comply with this Agreement; (g)where the sectoral policy which led to the conclusion of this Agreement changes significantly, triggering a request by either one of the Parties to amend it. 2. Termination of the Agreement shall be notified by the Party concerned to the other Party in writing and shall take effect 6 months after receipt of notification except if the Parties decide, by mutual agreement, to extend this period. 3. The Parties shall consult each other from the time when termination is notified with a view to finding an amicable settlement to their dispute within 6 months. 4. Payment of the financial contribution referred to in Article 12 for the year in which the termination takes effect shall be reduced proportionately and pro rata temporis. Such a reduction shall also apply if either Party terminates the provisional application. Article 22 Review The Parties agree to review this Agreement in order to take into account any changes in the legal, environmental, economic and social governance framework that may affect Union fishing activities. Article 23 Repeal The Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Kingdom of Morocco which entered into force on 28 February 2007 is hereby repealed. PROTOCOL on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco

Article 1 Definitions For the purposes of this Protocol, the definitions laid down in Article 1 of the Agreement shall apply, except as amended below and supplemented as follows: 1. ‘Fisheries Agreement’ means the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco and the accompanying exchange of letters; 2. ‘Protocol’ means this implementing protocol to the Fisheries Agreement and the Annex and Appendices hereto; 3. ‘landing’ means the unloading of any quantity of fisheries products from on board a fishing vessel to land; 4. ‘transhipment’ means the unloading of all or some of the fisheries products on board a vessel to another vessel; 5. ‘observer’ means any person authorised by a national authority, in accordance with the Annex, to observe the implementation of the rules applicable to a fishing activity, or to observe the activity for scientific purposes; 6. ‘fishing licence’ means an administrative authorisation issued by the Department to the shipowner against an annual fee, entitling it to fish in the management area during the period for which it was granted; 7. ‘operator’ means a natural or legal person who operates or holds an undertaking carrying out activities related to any stage of the production, processing, marketing, distribution or retailing of fisheries and aquaculture products; 8. ‘Delegation’ means the Delegation of the European Union to Morocco; 9. ‘Department’ means the Sea Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sea Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests. Article 2 Objective The purpose of this Protocol is to implement the provisions of the Fisheries Agreement, laying down in particular the conditions for access by Union vessels to the fishing zone defined in Article 1(h) thereof, and the implementing provisions of the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership. Article 3 Fishing opportunities 1. From the date of application of this Protocol and for the period set out in Article 16, the following fishing opportunities are granted pursuant to Article 5 of the Fisheries Agreement: (a)for the category ‘Small-scale pelagic fishing with seins, north’: 22 vessels, hereinafter referred to as ‘Category 1’; (b)for the category ‘Small-scale fishing with bottom longlines, north’: 35 vessels, hereinafter referred to as ‘Category 2’;

(c)for the category ‘Small-scale pole-and-line fishing, south’: 10 vessels, hereinafter referred to as ‘Category 3’; (d)for the category ‘Demersal fishing with bottom trawls and bottom longlines, south’: 16 vessels, hereinafter referred to as ‘Category 4’; (e)for the category ‘Small-scale tuna fishing with poles’: 27 vessels, hereinafter referred to as ‘Category 5’; (f)for the category ‘Industrial pelagic or semi-pelagic trawling and purse seining’: an annual quota of: (i) 85 000 tonnes for the first year of application, 18 vessels, (ii) 90 000 tonnes for the second year of application, 18 vessels, (iii) 100 000 tonnes for the third and fourth years of application, 18 vessels, hereinafter referred to as ‘Category 6’. 2. Paragraph 1 shall apply subject to the provisions of Articles 5, 10 and 20 of this Protocol. 3. Under Article 5 of the Fisheries Agreement, Union vessels must be in possession of a fishing licence issued under this Protocol and in accordance with the Annex and Appendices in order to engage in fishing activities in the fishing zone. 4. The Parties agree to exchange information in the Joint Committees on catches or on the total fishing effort exerted on the stocks concerned by all the fleets operating in the fishing zone as required by Article 3(4) of the Fisheries Agreement. Article 4 Financial contribution 1. The total annual value of the Protocol is estimated at: 1.1. EUR 48 100 000 for the first year of application. This amount can be broken down as follows: (a) EUR 37 000 000 from the financial contribution referred to in Article 12 of the Fisheries Agreement, allocated as follows: (i)EUR 19 100 000 as financial compensation for access by Union vessels to the fishing zone, as referred to in Article 12(2)(a) of the Fisheries Agreement; (ii)EUR 17 900 000 as sectoral support as referred to in Article 12(2)(c) of the Fisheries Agreement; (b)EUR 11 100 000 corresponding to the estimated fees payable by shipowners, as referred to in Article 12(2)(b) of the Fisheries Agreement. 1.2. EUR 50 400 000 for the second year of application. This amount can be broken down as follows:

(a)EUR 38 800 000 from the financial contribution referred to in Article 12 of the Fisheries Agreement, allocated as follows: (i)EUR 20 000 000 as financial compensation for access by Union vessels to the fishing zone, as referred to in Article 12(2)(a) of the Fisheries Agreement; (ii)EUR 18 800 000 as sectoral support as referred to in Article 12(2)(c) of the Fisheries Agreement; (b)EUR 11 600 000 corresponding to the estimated fees payable by shipowners, as referred to in Article 12(2)(b) of the Fisheries Agreement. 1.3. EUR 55 100 000 for the third and fourth years of application. This amount can be broken down as follows: (a)EUR 42 400 000 from the financial contribution referred to in Article 12 of the Fisheries Agreement, allocated as follows: (i)EUR 21 900 000 as financial compensation for access by Union vessels to the fishing zone, as referred to in Article 12(2)(a) of the Fisheries Agreement; (ii)EUR 20 500 000 as sectoral support as referred to in Article 12(2)(c) of the Fisheries Agreement; (b) EUR 12 700 000 corresponding to the estimated fees payable by shipowners, as referred to in Article 12(2)(b) of the Fisheries Agreement. 2. Pursuant to Article 12 of the Fisheries Agreement and in particular paragraph 4 thereof, and subject to the provisions of Article 5, the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall allocate the financial contribution in accordance with the provisions of Articles 6 and 7 of this Protocol. 3. Paragraph 1 shall apply subject to the provisions of Articles 5, 10, 18, 19 and 20 of this Protocol. 4. The financial contribution referred to in Article 12(2)(a) and (c) of the Fisheries Agreement shall be paid to the Treasurer-General of the Kingdom of Morocco into a dedicated account opened with the Public Treasury of the Kingdom of Morocco, the references of which shall be communicated by the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco. Article 5 Adjustment of fishing opportunities 1. The fishing opportunities referred to in Article 3 of this Protocol may be adjusted by the Joint Committee in accordance with Article 13(3)(a) of the Fisheries Agreement, by mutual agreement and insofar as the adjustment does not prejudice the sustainability of resources in the fishing zone. The adjustment may relate to the number of vessels, the target species or the quota allocated under Article 3 for each category. 2. In accordance with Article 12(5) of the Fisheries Agreement, if fishing opportunities are increased or reduced, the financial compensation provided for in Article 12(2)(a) of the Agreement shall be adjusted proportionately to the fishing opportunities, pro rata temporis and on the basis of the estimated value of catches for the categories concerned. The adjustment is subject to approval by the Joint Committee. However, there can be no increase in fishing opportunities corresponding to twice the financial compensation paid by the Union under Article 12(2)(a) of the Fisheries Agreement. Article 6 Financial compensation for access to the fishing zone and fees to be paid by shipowners 1. The financial compensation referred to in Article 12(2)(a) and the fees referred to in Article 12(2)(b) of the Fisheries Agreement shall be subject to a fair geographical and social distribution of the socio-economic benefits to ensure that the compensation benefits the relevant populations, in accordance with Article 12(4) of the Agreement.

2. No later than 3 months after the date of application of this Protocol, the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall present a method ensuring the geographical and social distribution referred to in paragraph 1 and a distribution key for the allocated amounts, which shall be examined by the Joint Committee. 3. Any significant changes in the geographical and social distribution shall be examined by the Parties in the Joint Committee. 4. Each year the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall present, within 3 months, an annual report on the geographical and social distribution in the previous financial year. 5. Before the expiry of this Protocol, the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall submit a final report on the geographical and social distribution of the amounts referred to in paragraph 1. Article 7 Allocation of sectoral support 1. The sectoral support referred to in Article 12(2)(c) of the Fisheries Agreement shall contribute to developing and implementing sectoral policy as part of the national development strategy for the fisheries sector. 2. No later than 3 months after the date of application of this Protocol, the Joint Committee shall agree on a multiannual sectoral programme and detailed implementing rules comprising, in particular: (a)annual and multiannual guidelines for the use of the amount granted as sectoral support in accordance with Article 12(4) of the Fisheries Agreement; (b)annual and multiannual objectives to be achieved with the aim of developing sustainable fishing activities, taking account of the priorities of the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco set out in its national sectoral policy; (c)criteria, reports and procedures, including budgetary and financial indicators, and inspection and audit methods to be used to assess the results obtained on an annual basis. 3. Any amendment to those guidelines, objectives, criteria and indicators are subject to approval by the Parties in the Joint Committee. 4. The authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall present an annual report on progress made in projects implemented in the context of sectoral support, which shall be examined by the Joint Committee. The structure of the report shall be determined by the Joint Committee at the latest 3 months after the date of application of this Protocol. 5. Once projects are completed, the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall present, according to their nature and duration, an implementation report to be examined by the Joint Committee. The content of this report shall be defined by the Joint Committee. 6. Before the Protocol expires, the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall submit a final report on the implementation of sectoral support under this Protocol, including the elements referred to in the preceding paragraphs. 7. The Parties shall, if necessary, continue to monitor the implementation of sectoral support for up to 6 months after the expiry, suspension or termination of this Protocol as provided for herein. However, to allow monitoring of sectoral support for a given action or project to be extended for an additional period of up to 6 months, account shall be taken of any previous validation by the Joint Committee of that action or project. 8. The Parties shall draw up a communication and visibility plan relating to the Fisheries Agreement. The plan shall be subject to approval by the first Joint Committee. Article 8 Payments 1. The financial contribution provided for in Article 12(2)(a) of the Fisheries Agreement shall be paid:

(a)for the first year, no later than 2 months after the meeting of the Joint Committee approving the allocation method referred to in Article 6(2); (b)for subsequent years, on the anniversary date of the application of this Protocol, subject to analysis by the Joint Committee in accordance with paragraphs 4 and 5. 2. The financial contribution provided for in Article 12(2)(c) of the Fisheries Agreement shall be paid: (a)for the first year, no later than 2 months after the Joint Committee has approved the annual and multiannual programming provided for in Article 7(2) of this Protocol; (b)for subsequent years, 2 months after approval by the Joint Committee of the results achieved in the previous year and of the annual programming for the following financial year. 3. The fees due from shipowners shall be paid as provided for in Chapter I, Section E, of the Annex to this Protocol. 4. Each year the Joint Committee shall confirm that the results achieved are consistent with the programming and that payments are consistent with the geographical and social distribution key. 5. If the results achieved are not consistent with the programming or the method referred to in Article 6(2) and (3), including as regards geographical and social distribution, the payments and the related fishing activities may be adjusted or, as the case may be, partially or totally suspended. In such cases the Parties shall continue to consult each other, and the payments and related fishing activities shall resume once fulfilment of the conditions laid down in paragraph 4 is confirmed by the Joint Committee. Article 9 Scientific coordination 1. In accordance with Articles 3 and 8 of the Fisheries Agreement the Parties undertake to hold scientific meetings, on a regular basis or when the need arises, to examine issues of a scientific nature and, if necessary and at the request of the Joint Committee, the estimated first-sale value of catches at the place of landing or in end markets. 2. The mandate, composition and running of these scientific meetings shall be laid down by the Joint Committee. Article 10 Scientific fishing campaigns For research purposes and to advance scientific and technical knowledge, a scientific fishing campaign may be conducted in the fishing zone at the request of the Joint Committee. The arrangements for implementing the scientific fishing campaign shall be set out in more detail in accordance with Chapter III of the Annex to this Protocol. Article 11 Cooperation between economic operators The Parties shall, in accordance with the applicable legislation and regulations, promote contacts and help ensure cooperation between economic operators in the following areas: (a)development of fisheries-related industries, in particular naval construction and repair and the manufacturing of fishing gear and materials; (b)promoting the exchange of professional expertise and training of managers in the sea fishing sector;

(c)sale of fishery products; (d)marketing; (e)aquaculture and the blue economy. Article 12 Failure to comply with provisions of and obligations under this Protocol In accordance with the provisions of this Protocol and the legislation in force in the fishing zone, the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco reserve the right to apply penalties as provided for in the Annex in the event of non-compliance with the provisions of this Protocol and obligations arising from its application. Article 13 Electronic data exchange The Parties undertake to set up as soon as possible the systems, such as ERS, that are necessary to ensure the electronic exchange of all information and documents linked to the technical management of this Protocol, such as data on catches, VMS positions and notifications of entry into and exit from the zone by Union vessels operating under this Fisheries Agreement. Article 14 Confidentiality 1. The Parties undertake to ensure that all nominative data relating to Union fishing vessels and their fishing activities obtained under the Agreement, including data collected by observers, are processed in accordance with confidentiality and data protection principles. 2. The Parties shall ensure that only aggregated data relating to fishing activities in the fishing zone are made public. 3. Data which may be considered confidential shall be used by the competent authorities exclusively for the purposes of implementing the Agreement and for fisheries management, control and monitoring. 4. With regard to personal data transmitted by the Union, appropriate safeguards and legal remedies may be established by the Joint Committee in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation. Article 15 Entry into force This Protocol and the Annex and Appendices 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. Article 16 Duration

Notwithstanding Article 18 of the Fisheries Agreement, this Protocol shall apply for a period of 4 years from the date of its entry into force or, as the case may be, of its provisional application. Article 17 Provisional application This Agreement may be applied on a provisional basis from the date of signature authorised by the Council of the Union where the Parties have mutually agreed to this in an exchange of notifications. Article 18 Suspension Application of this Protocol may be suspended at the initiative of either one of the Parties in accordance with Article 20 of the Fisheries Agreement. Article 19 Termination This Protocol may be terminated at the initiative of either one of the Parties in accordance with the provisions of Article 21 of the Fisheries Agreement. Article 20 Review This Protocol may be reviewed at the initiative of either one of the Parties in accordance with the provisions of Article 22 of the Fisheries Agreement. ANNEX CONDITIONS FOR FISHING ACTIVITIES BY UNION VESSELS IN THE FISHING ZONE CHAPTER I PROVISIONS ON LICENCE APPLICATIONS AND THE ISSUING OF LICENCES A. Licence applications 1. Only eligible vessels may obtain a licence to fish in the fishing zone. 2. In order for a vessel to be eligible, the owner, the master and the vessel itself must not be banned from fishing in the fishing zone, nor may the vessel be legally listed as an IUU vessel.

3. They must be in compliance with the legislation in force and have fulfilled all prior obligations arising from their fishing activities in the fishing zone. 4. The Union authorities shall submit to the Sea Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sea Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Department’) the lists of vessels applying to engage in fishing activities within the limits laid down in the datasheets annexed to the Protocol, at least 20 days before the licences applied for are due to become valid. These lists shall: (a)be sent to the Department by electronic mail using addresses to be communicated, by exchange of letters, before the date of application of the Protocol; (b)state the number of vessels per fishing category and management area and, for each vessel, its main characteristics, the amounts to be paid broken down by heading and the gear(s) to be used during the period applied for and, for category 6, the requested quota in tonnes of catches in the form of monthly forecasts. 5. With respect to category 6, if, in any given month, catches (a)reach the vessel’s provisional monthly quota before the end of the month in question, the shipowner may send the Department, via the Union authorities, an adjusted provisional monthly catch forecast and a request for an extension of its provisional monthly quota; (b)remain below the vessel’s provisional monthly quota, the corresponding amount of the quota or fee shall be carried forward to the next period of activity in the current calendar year. 6. Individual licence applications, grouped by fishing category, shall be submitted to the Department at the same time as the lists referred to above, based on the sample form provided in Appendix 1. 7. Each licence application shall be accompanied by the following documents: (a)a copy of the tonnage certificate, duly certified by the flag State; (b)a recent digital colour photograph, with a minimum graphic resolution of 1 400 × 1 050 pixels, authenticated according to the procedures in force in the flag State, showing a lateral view of the vessel in its current state with the letters and registration numbers clearly visible. The photograph shall be at least 15 cm by 10 cm in size; (c)proof of payment of the annual fees for the fishing licence as defined by the applicable legislation and of fees and observer expenses as set out in Section E below; (d)any other documents or certificates required under the specific provisions applicable to the type of vessel concerned pursuant to this Protocol. 8. Where a licence is renewed year after year under this Protocol in respect of a vessel whose technical characteristics have not changed, the renewal application shall only be accompanied by proof of payment of the fishing licence fees, other fees and the observers’ expenses. 9. The licence application forms and all documents referred to in paragraph 6 above that contain information necessary for the drawing-up of fishing licences shall be submitted by the Union authorities to the Department by electronic mail. B. Issuing of licences 1. The Department shall issue fishing licences to the Union authorities, via the EU Delegation to Morocco (‘the Delegation’) for all vessels within 15 days of receipt of all the documents referred to in point 6 above. 2. If applicable, the Department shall notify the Union authorities of the reasons why a licence application has been refused. 3. Fishing licences shall be drawn up in accordance with the information in the datasheets in Appendix 2, and shall mention in particular the management area, the distance from the coast, information relating to the system for continuous satellite positioning and tracking (serial number of the VMS transponder), the authorised gears, the main species, authorised mesh sizes, allowable by-catches and, for category 6, the vessel’s provisional monthly catch quotas.

4. The vessel’s provisional monthly quota may be extended, subject to the catch limits laid down in the relevant datasheet. 5. Fishing licences shall be issued only for vessels having complied with all the administrative formalities required in this regard. 6. The Parties shall seek agreement on promoting the introduction of an electronic licence system. C. Validity and use of licences 1. Except for the first year, which begins on the date of application and ends on 31 December at the latest, fishing licences shall be valid for a period of: (a)one calendar year (category 5), corresponding to the period from the date on which the licence becomes valid until 31 December; (b)one quarter (categories 1, 2, 3 and 4), corresponding to one of the three-month periods beginning on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July or 1 October; (c)one month (category 6), corresponding to the period from the date on which the licence becomes valid until the end of the month. For the last year of application, which begins on 1 January and ends on the date of expiry of the Protocol, the above periods shall, as the case may be, effectively be shortened as a result of the Protocol’s expiry. 2. A fishing licence shall be valid only for the period covered by the fees paid and for the management area, type of gear and fishing category specified in the licence. 3. A fishing licence shall be issued for a given vessel and shall not be transferable. However, in the event of proven force majeure, such as the loss or prolonged immobilisation of a vessel due to a serious technical failure, duly established by the competent authorities of the flag State, a vessel’s licence shall be cancelled if the Union authorities so request. A new licence shall be issued as soon as possible under the provisions on licence applications and the issue of licences to another vessel belonging to the same category with a tonnage not exceeding that of the vessel whose licence was cancelled. 4. If a licence is cancelled, the shipowner or their agent shall return the cancelled fishing licence to the Department. 5. A fishing licence must be held on board the vessel at all times and presented to the inspection authorities each time an inspection takes place. D. Fishing licence fees and other fees 1. Annual fishing licence fees shall be set out in the Moroccan laws and regulations governing fishing activities in the fishing zone. 2. Licence fees shall cover the calendar year in which the licence is issued and shall be payable when the first licence for that year is applied for. The amounts of such licence fees shall include all related fees and taxes, with the exception of port taxes and service charges. 3. In addition to the fishing licence fees, other fees shall be calculated for each vessel on the basis of the rates set out in the datasheets in Appendix 2. 4. The fees shall be calculated pro-rata to the period for which the fishing licence is effectively valid, taking into account any biological recovery periods. E. Terms of payment 1. Fishing licence fees, other fees and observers’ expenses shall be payable, in the name of the Ministerial Treasurer of the Ministry of Agriculture, Sea Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, into bank account No 0018100078000 20110750201 at the Bank Al Maghrib (Morocco) before fishing licences are issued.

2. The fee for catches of category 5 vessels shall be paid as follows: (a)The amount of the flat-rate advance (EUR 7 000 per vessel) referred to in the datasheet shall be paid before the fishing activity begins. (b)The advance shall be calculated pro-rata to the duration of the validity of the licence. (c)The Union authorities shall submit to the Department, before 30 June, a statement of the fees due for the previous year, on the basis of each shipowner’s catch reporting, verified and validated by the competent authorities of the flag State and by the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco. (d)For the last year of application, the statement of the fees due for the previous fishing year shall be notified within 4 months of expiry of the Protocol. (e)The final statement shall be sent to the shipowners concerned, who shall have 30 days to discharge their financial obligations from the date the Department notifies its approval of the figures. Proof of payment by the shipowner, made out in euros in the name of the Treasurer-General of Morocco and paid into the account mentioned in paragraph 1, shall be sent to the Department by the Union authorities no later than one and a half months after that notification. (f)However, if the amount of the final statement is less than the advance mentioned above, the difference shall not be reimbursable. (g)Shipowners shall take all necessary steps to ensure that any additional payments are paid within the time limit set out in point (e). (h)Failure by a shipowner to comply with the obligations set out in point (e) shall result in automatic suspension of its fishing licence until such obligations have been met. 3. The fees relating to quotas assigned to category 6 trawlers are to be paid as follows: (a)the fee for the vessel’s provisional monthly quota requested by the owner shall be paid before the fishing activity begins; (b)if the provisional monthly quota referred to in point 5 of Section A is extended, the fee covering the extension must be received by the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco before fishing resumes; (c)if the provisional monthly quota and any extension are exceeded, the amount of the fee corresponding to the excess volume shall be increased by a factor of 3. The monthly balance, calculated on the basis of actual catches, shall be paid within 2 months of the month in which the catches were made. CHAPTER II MANAGEMENT AREAS 1. The management areas for each fishing category shall be set out in detail in the datasheets in Appendix 2. 2. Before the date of application of this Protocol, the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall communicate to the Union authorities the geographical coordinates of the management areas and any areas within them where fishing is banned. 3. This information shall be transmitted electronically, in decimal form N/S DD.ddd (WGS84). 4. Any changes to these coordinates must be notified immediately. 5. The Union may, if necessary, request further information on those coordinates.

CHAPTER III ARRANGEMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTING SCIENTIFIC FISHING 1. The Parties shall jointly decide on (a)the European operators that will carry out the scientific fishing campaign; (b)the most appropriate period for this purpose; and (c)the conditions that will apply. 2. To facilitate exploratory work by vessels, the Department shall forward any available scientific data and other basic data. 3. The Parties shall agree on a scientific protocol to be used as a basis for the scientific fishing campaign, which shall be forwarded to the operators concerned. 4. The campaign duration shall be a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 months, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties. 5. The Union authorities shall send the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco an application for a fishing licence for the scientific fishing campaign, accompanied by a technical file specifying: (a)the technical characteristics of the vessel; (b)the level of expertise of the vessel’s officers with respect to fishing; (c)the proposal for the technical parameters of the campaign (duration, gear, exploration areas, etc.); (d)the form of funding. 6. If necessary, the Department shall set up a dialogue regarding technical and financial aspects with the Union authorities, and possibly with the shipowners concerned. 7. Before the start of the scientific fishing campaign, the Union vessel shall report to a port designated by the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco for inspections, including those provided for in Chapter VIII, point 1 of this Annex. 8. Before the start of the campaign, the shipowners shall submit the following to the Department and to the Union authorities: (a)reports of catches already on board; (b)the technical characteristics of the fishing gear to be used during the campaign; (c)assurance that they will comply with the applicable regulatory requirements.

9. During the campaign, the shipowners concerned shall: (a)send the Department and the Union authorities a weekly report on catches per day and by haul, including a description of the campaign’s technical parameters (position, depth, date and time, catches and other observations or comments); (b)communicate the vessel’s position, speed and course by VMS; (c)ensure that a scientific observer of Moroccan nationality or chosen by the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco is present on board in accordance with the provisions on observers set out in Chapter VII. Unless the Parties agree otherwise, the vessel shall never be obliged to put into harbour more than once every 2 months; (d)submit their vessel for inspection before it leaves the fishing zone if the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco so request, (e)comply with Moroccan fishing laws and regulations. Catches, including by-catches, made during the scientific fishing campaign shall remain the property of the shipowner, provided they comply with the arrangements put in place in this regard by the Joint Committee and with the scientific protocol. 10. The Department shall appoint a contact person responsible for addressing any unforeseen problems that might hinder the conduct of the scientific fishing campaign. CHAPTER IV SATELLITE MONITORING (VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM – VMS) A. General provisions 1. Moroccan regulations governing the operation of satellite tracking and positioning devices shall apply to Union vessels operating or intending to operate in the fishing zone under this Protocol. The flag State shall ensure that vessels flying its flag comply with the provisions of those regulations. 2. The activity of any Union vessel authorised under this Protocol must be monitored on a continuous basis, in particular by means of a satellite-based vessel monitoring system (VMS). More detailed monitoring arrangements shall be laid down by the Joint Committee. 3. The VMS system of vessels subject to satellite monitoring under this Protocol shall automatically notify vessel positions to the fisheries monitoring centre (Centre de Surveillance et de Contrôle des Pêches – CSCP) of their flag State, which shall transmit them to the Moroccan CSCP. 4. The flag State and the authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall each designate a VMS correspondent who shall act as the point of contact. (a)The CSCP of the flag State and of Morocco shall, prior to the date of application of the Protocol, communicate the coordinates (name, address, telephone, telex, email) of their respective VMS correspondent. (b)Any changes to the contact details of the VMS correspondent must be notified immediately. The contact points, whose contact details shall be communicated before the date of application of this Protocol, shall exchange all relevant information on the vessels’ equipment, the transmission protocols and any other function necessary for satellite monitoring. B. VMS data 1. All position reports of a vessel which is fishing under the Fisheries Agreement and is subject to satellite tracking under this Protocol shall, once it has entered the fishing zone, be transmitted immediately by the CSCP of the flag State to the Moroccan CSCP. These messages shall be sent as follows: (a)electronically using a secure protocol;

(b)with a frequency of 2 hours or less; (c)in the format indicated in Appendix 3. 2. The NAF format shall be used until the changeover to the new UN-CEFACT format. The authorities of the Kingdom of Morocco shall determine the period necessary for the changeover to the UN-CEFACT format in the FLUX protocol, taking into account any technical constraints as regards integrating this new format and the FLUX protocol. They shall define the trial period required before a transition can be made to effective use of the new format and the FLUX protocol. Once these trials have been successfully completed, the Parties shall, as soon as possible, set the effective date of application jointly, in the Joint Committee or by exchange of letters. 3. Each position message shall contain: (a)the vessel identification; (b)the most recent geographical position of the vessel (longitude, latitude), with a margin of error of less than 100 metres, and with a confidence interval of 99 %; (c)the date and time the position is recorded; (d)the vessel’s speed and course. 4. VMS positions shall be encoded using: (a)the code ‘ENT’ for the first position recorded after entry into the fishing zone; (b)the code ‘POS’ for all following positions; (c)the code ‘EXI’ for the first position recorded after exit from the fishing zone; (d)the code ‘MAN’ for positions transmitted manually in accordance with Section C, paragraph 3. 5. The CSCP of the flag State shall ensure the automatic processing and electronic transmission of position messages. Position messages shall be securely recorded and stored in a database for a period of 3 years. However, in the event of technical constraints this period may be shortened by mutual agreement. 6. The components of the software and hardware of the satellite monitoring equipment used must be: (a)reliable, not allowing positions to be falsified or any manual manipulation; (b)fully automatic and operational at all times regardless of envir