New protocol with Greenland approved by Committee on Fisheries

Under the 2025-2030 protocol of the EU’s Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with Greenland, the EU will pay €17.3 million per year to access the autonomous territory’s fisheries resources. Of this amount, €14.1 million will cover access rights and €3.2 million is earmarked to support the Greenlandic fisheries sector. In addition, EU vessel owners will pay authorisation fees, which will increase every two years. These may amount to around €4.5 million per year. Under the protocol, catches are governed by fishing opportunities to be set annually. EU vessels will be able to catch up to 30 906 tonnes: 13 000 tonnes of capelin (if this fishery is reopened), 6 675 tonnes of halibut, 6 581 tonnes of prawn, 2 100 tonnes of demersal redfish, and 2 050 tonnes of cod. The protocol also covers by-catch limits, scientific cooperation with Greenland, monitoring, controls, surveillance, and fishing areas. Fisheries Committee MEPs gave their consent to the conclusion of this agreement by 23 votes in favour and 1 against, with 2 abstentions. Precautionary approach to preserving species In the resolution accompanying the decision, approved on Tuesday by 23 votes in favour, 4 against and with no abstentions, MEPs stress that the increased financial contribution and fees paid by fishing operators will benefit Greenland’s economy. MEPs ask the Commission and Greenland to “keep taking a precautionary approach” and to “follow the best scientific advice available” when setting...