Spanish Fisheries Confederation raises concerns over EU-Morocco fishing agreement non-renewal

The Spanish Fisheries Confederation (Cepesca) has expressed worry about the consequences that could come about if the EU-Morocco fishing agreement is not renewed. 

The Spanish fishing sector heavily relies on this agreement to allow access to Moroccan waters for fishing purposes. However, the Spanish fleet’s situation is becoming precarious.

The fishing sector in Spain is of immense importance. Spanish fishermen rely on this agreement for access to Moroccan waters, which has played a crucial role in sustaining their livelihoods and the overall economic stability of the sector.

Cepesca has been vocal about the negative effects that might unfold due to the agreement’s non-renewal. The sector is already dealing with challenges such as evolving regulations and sustainability goals. Now, the uncertainty about fishing grounds that were accessible through the EU-Morocco agreement adds another layer of complexity.

The shutdown of 87 fishing zones in the Atlantic Ocean, ranging from the Irish coasts to the Gulf of Cadiz, following the approval of European Commission Implementing Regulation No. 2022/1614, is estimated to lead to losses up to €16.6 million, according to the Spanish Fisheries Scientific, Technical, and Economic Committee.

Javier Garat, the Secretary General of Cepesca, emphasized that periods of political uncertainty harm economic activities..

Cepesca had earlier urged Morocco and the EU to swiftly define the technical prerequisites for the protocol’s renewal.

The European Court of Justice invalidated agreements between Rabat and Brussels due to conclusions drawn without the consent of citizens in the southern regions of Morocco. The European Commission is appealing the decision.

While reports suggested negotiations between Rabat and Madrid on the return of Spanish vessels to Moroccan waters, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests denied these claims, emphasizing that EU member states cannot negotiate separately on this.