Sustainable Fishing Deal with Mauritius: Protecting Fish and Supporting Local Fishermen

EU‑Mauritius Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement

• Purpose
  The European Commission wants the EU to start talks with Mauritius to replace the current Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA) with a new Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) and a new Implementing Protocol. The new deal will follow the 2013 reform of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and focus on sustainability.

• Current situation

• The existing FPA began 28 January 2014, lasts 6 years and can be renewed for 3‑year periods.
• The current 4‑year Implementing Protocol started 21 December 2022 and ends 21 December 2026.
• The EU pays Mauritius €275 000 each year for fishing access and €450 000 for sector‑support programmes – a total of €725 000 per year.

• Why change?

• The new SFPA will better match the CFP’s sustainability goals.
• It will give EU vessels clearer rules, improve monitoring, control and fight illegal fishing, and support local fisheries in Mauritius.
• It aligns with EU policy toward African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, respects human rights, and promotes decent work (ILO Convention C188).

• Legal basis

• Article 218(3) and (4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) – procedure.
• Article 43(2) TFEU – substantive basis for fisheries.

• Evaluation findings (2025)

• EU fishing companies want to fish in Mauritius and both sides benefit from a new agreement.
• The current protocol offers more fishing opportunities than are used, so a new protocol should reduce opportunities and lower the EU’s financial contribution.
• Renewing the protocol would strengthen monitoring and governance.

• Budget

• Payments to Mauritius will be recorded each year in budget line 08 05 01 and must fit the 2021‑2027 Multiannual Financial Framework.
• Annual commitments and payments are set in the yearly budget, with a reserve line for protocols not yet in force.

• Next steps

• Negotiations are expected to start in the second quarter of 2026.
• The Commission will lead the talks, working with the Council Working Party on External Fisheries Policy.
• The Council will adopt a decision authorising the Commission to negotiate.

• Key points of the negotiating directives (Annex)

• Create a stable, sustainable partnership framework.
• Secure access for EU vessels to Mauritius’ fishing zone.
• Use the best scientific advice and regional management plans.
• Share resources fairly and apply the same technical rules to all foreign fleets.
• Include a social clause ensuring decent work and compliance with ILO standards.
• Protect human rights, promote transparency, and prevent discrimination.
• Define fishing opportunities, financial compensation, and sector‑support mechanisms.

This summary captures the main facts and figures of the EU’s proposal to renew its fisheries partnership with Mauritius.