“Cooperation on fisheries matters is a key cornerstone of the relations between the EU and Greenland, and I am pleased we have found agreement on a new fisheries protocol between the EU and Greenland during the Danish Presidency” says Danish Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Mette Gjerskov and underlines:
“The new protocol is based on scientific advice of the state of the stocks in Greenland waters and on mutual economic benefit. Moreover, the agreement secures a beneficial framework to guide our joint further steps in promoting sustainable and responsible fishing.”
The protocol to the Fisheries Partnership Agreement sets out EU indicative fishing possibilities in Greenland waters for the period 2013-2015 and associated conditions for the fisheries in addition to the financial contribution to Greenland.
With the objective to promote sustainable and responsible fishing in Greenland waters, the protocol also contains EU financial support of a multiannual sectoral programme. With the view to ensure sustainable fisheries, the parties furthermore agree to continue scientific cooperation, inter alia through relevant international and regional fisheries organisations.
The new protocol has been agreed on the basis of scientific advice, value and hitherto utilization of fishing possibilities. Compared to the fisheries protocol in force, the new agreement overall reduces EU fishing possibilities, e.g. for redfish, Greenland halibut, cod and prawn in West Greenland; while the EU quotas for capelin and prawns in East Greenland are increased.
Including the support earmarked for the sectoral programme and a financial reserve of € 1.5 mil. for additional fishing opportunities, Greenland will receive an annual payment of € 17.8 mil. from the EU. On top of this amount EU ship-owners are estimated to contribute with app. € 1.5 mil. annually.
Before entering into force 1 January 2013, the protocol is subject to approval by the Greenland government (Naalakkersuisut) and the Council and the European Parliament.