Negotiations for a new EU–Seychelles fisheries protocol concluded on 1 April 2026, according to a press release on the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles.
The Parties agreed on a text that will consolidate and strengthen the current partnership between the Union and Seychelles. The Parties will now review the text through their internal procedures for approval and signature.
“The Parties agreed on a text that will consolidate and strengthen the current partnership between the Union and Seychelles,” the press release said.
The new protocol will run for four years. It provides for a financial contribution of €5,750,000 per year. This includes €3,000,000 per year to support Seychelles efforts in its sustainable fisheries and maritime policy.
EU vessel operators will be able to obtain authorisations to conduct fishing activities. These cover up to 30 purse seine vessels and 8 longliner vessels for fishing highly migratory species.
“The scientific advice and management recommendations issued by the regional fisheries management organisation responsible for these highly migratory species are taken into account and fully apply to these activities, ensuring their sustainability,” the statement said.
The Parties welcomed this outcome and are keen to continue the cooperation activities initiated under the partnership agreement.
Once officially signed by Seychelles and the European Union, the text will apply provisionally pending its entry into force. This will allow Union vessels to resume fishing activities in Seychelles’ fishing zone, which are currently suspended.
Mr Kenneth Racombo, Ambassador of Seychelles to the European Union, and Mrs Virginia Battu-Henriksson, Deputy Head of Unit for Trade Negotiations and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements at the Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Union, initialled the protocol in Brussels.