The Councillor for Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Junta de Andalucía, Ramón Fernández-Pacheco, held a meeting in the Andalusian Parliament with representatives from the fishing sector, businesses, and port authorities to discuss the impending expiration of the fishing protocol between the European Union and Mauritania, set to end on 14 November. The meeting aimed to reinforce a unified stance in support of the continuation of fishing activities.
During the discussions, Fernández-Pacheco expressed the Andalusian Government's backing for the sector and emphasised the importance of collaboration among administrations, ports, companies, and fishermen to find a solution that prevents the fleet's paralysis and its economic and employment repercussions. "We are facing a situation that demands unity and cooperation. The Junta de Andalucía, port authorities, businesses, and fishermen share a common goal: to ensure our boats can continue fishing and that the economic activity and jobs dependent on this agreement are maintained," stated the councillor.
The current fishing protocol between the European Union and Mauritania is set to expire at midnight on 14 November. According to an official communication from the European Commission, after this date, EU vessels will no longer be authorised to fish in Mauritanian waters. This situation affects a total of 60 European vessels, 25 of which are based in Andalucía, and could impact around 500 workers, including both direct and indirect jobs.
During the meeting, representatives from ANAMAR estimated that the interruption of this agreement could result in losses of €50 million. This impact would extend throughout the entire fishing value chain, particularly affecting the ports of Algeciras, Cádiz, Huelva, and Seville, as well as the activity of the Cádiz fish market and the marketing of fish in Huelva. "We are not just talking about boats. We are discussing an activity that generates wealth and employment in our ports and hundreds of families that depend on it. Therefore, it is crucial that all parties work together to ensure its continuity," Fernández-Pacheco emphasised.
Sector representatives explained that they have been working for six months to achieve the renewal of the protocol and expressed confidence that negotiations would lead to a solution ensuring the continuity of fishing activities. The meeting also addressed the strategic importance of this agreement for European fishing and the continent's food security. In this regard, Fernández-Pacheco defended the necessity of preserving the activity of a fleet that operates under the sustainability and control requirements of the European Union, warning that its departure from the fishing grounds could lead to increased fishing pressure from fleets of third countries. "Europe cannot relinquish its fishing capacity or compromise its food sovereignty. We have a fleet that operates under strict controls and sustainability criteria, and we must defend its continuity to ensure responsible activity and supply to our markets," he asserted.
Finally, Fernández-Pacheco reiterated that the continuation of the fishing agreement between the European Union and Mauritania should occupy a "priority" position on the agenda of the Andalusian Parliament, the Spanish Government, and European institutions, and reaffirmed the Junta's willingness to collaborate with all involved administrations.
