The sixth Joint Committee Meeting under the Implementing Protocol 2020-2026 of the EU-Seychelles Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA) and the third joint committee meeting of the EU-Seychelles agreement for access of fishing vessels flying the flag of the Seychelles to the waters of Mayotte, under the jurisdiction of the European Union took place between 24 to 26 June 2025 in Victoria, Seychelles.
The European Union delegation was led by Mr Luis Molledo, Head of Unit for Trade Negotiations and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements of the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the European Commission.
The Seychelles delegation was led by Mr Roy Clarisse, Principal Secretary for Fisheries of the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy.
During the meetings, the Parties reviewed the implementation status of the two agreements in terms of access to waters for the fishing fleets and, in the case of the EU-Seychelles SFPA, to the implementation of the projects financed under the sectoral support programme.
The Parties expressed their high appreciations about the fruitful discussions that took place during the meetings and acknowledged the importance of the current Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement and their satisfaction on its implementation.
Mr Roy Clarisse reaffirmed the strength of the privileged partnership between Seychelles and the EU, noting that there has been no interruption in this partnership for over four decades. He underscored the relevance of the partnership beyond the fisheries agreement to strengthen the relationship including at regional and international levels, such as on the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and collaboration in regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) in the Indian Ocean.
Mr Luis Molledo highlighted the positive achievements reached in the fishery policy and sector development, through the financial sectoral support and both Parties recognised the complementary between fisheries policies and programmes between Seychelles and the EU and their benefits that go beyond the SFPA.
They commended the strategic partnership that links the two Parties and looked forward to its continuation.
The progress achieved under the current agreement was recognised as a testament to the shared commitment to sustainable fisheries management and good governance.
Discussions have also started between both Parties to prepare the new protocol of the EU-Seychelles SFPA, which expires in February 2026.
Background Information
The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement applies since February 2020. Based on a reference tonnage of 50 000 tonnes, the EU provides Seychelles with an annual financial contribution of €5 300 000. A significant part of this contribution, €2 800 000 per year, is specifically earmarked to promote the sustainable management of fisheries in Seychelles, as well as to support the development of small-scale fisheries. For the whole duration of the protocol, the total estimated value, including the EU ship-owners contribution, amounts to € 58 200 000, equivalent to € 9 700 000 per year.
The current Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement represents a significant step ahead of the spirit and core’s principles of the partnership between the European Union and Seychelles. This Agreement is based on the principles of the Common Fisheries Policy such as transparency, governance of fishing activities, non-discrimination, respect of the scientific advice and scientific cooperation on data collection and analysis. It also complies with Seychelles’ legislation and the management measures taken in the context of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC), of which both Parties are members.
The EU-Seychelles agreement for access of fishing vessels flying the flag of the Seychelles to the waters of Mayotte, under the jurisdiction of the European Union, was signed and entered into provisional application on 20 May 2014 for a duration of 6 years. The Agreement of 2015 was tacitly renewed on 20 May 2020.
The Agreement provides fishing opportunities for Seychelles vessels in the Union waters of Mayotte. These fishing opportunities are based on the best available scientific advice and respect the recommendations of the regional fisheries organisation managing the highly migratory fish stocks, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC).
