The European Parliament has today given its consent to a new four year Protocol to the EU’s Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Morocco.

The total cost of the new Protocol to the EU will be 30m EUR a year, of which 16m EUR compensates Morocco for access to the resource and 14m EUR is directed towards supporting the fisheries sector in the country. In addition, the ship owners’ own contribution is estimated at 10m EUR giving a total financial envelope for Morocco of an estimated 40m EUR, whilst the new Protocol also provides for increased job opportunities for Moroccan seamen.