New fishing agreement with Mauritania: stricter limits and stronger protections

What problem is being addressed?
The EU’s current Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) with Mauritania, which started on 15 November 2021, is set to expire on 14 November 2026. The existing protocol gives EU vessels up to 280 050 tonnes of fish per year and requires the EU to pay €57.5 million each year for access plus €16.5 million for sectoral support. The protocol has worked but has some weaknesses: fishing opportunities were larger than needed, the EU paid a lot of money, and the support for Mauritania’s fisheries has not been fully effective. The EU fleet needs a new, better‑balanced agreement that protects fish stocks, supports sustainable fishing, and keeps the EU’s financial contribution fair.

How is the problem being solved?
The European Commission proposes that the Council authorise new negotiations for an implementing protocol to the SFPA. The Commission will be the EU negotiator and will work with a special committee of the Council. The new protocol will:

• give EU vessels clear access to Mauritania’s waters and set realistic fishing quotas;
• base quotas on the latest scientific data and regional management plans;
• keep the EU’s financial contribution in line with the 2021‑2027 budget (the €57.5 million for access and €16.5 million for sectoral support will still be paid, but the amounts will be reviewed);
• strengthen monitoring, surveillance and anti‑illegal fishing measures;
• include social and human‑rights clauses that protect fishers’ working conditions;
• promote cooperation with Mauritania on governance, science and training.

Negotiations are expected to start in the first quarter of 2026.

What changes result from this document?

• The Council will formally authorise the opening of negotiations for a new protocol.
• The Commission will lead the talks and will follow the negotiating directives set out in the annex.
• A new protocol will replace the current one when it expires, providing updated fishing opportunities, clearer financial rules, and stronger sustainability and governance measures.
• The EU will continue to pay €57.5 million annually for access and €16.5 million for sectoral support, but the exact terms will be renegotiated.
• The new agreement will strengthen the EU’s role in international fisheries management and support Mauritania’s development goals.