Protocol on the implementation of the Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Guinea-Bissau (2024–2029).

This Protocol specifies the conditions governing the access by Union vessels to the fishing zone of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and sets out the provisions for implementing the sustainable fisheries partnership. Article 4 of this Protocol sets out the fishing opportunities granted under Article 5 of the Agreement for demersal species (crustaceans, cephalopods and fish) and small pelagics and highly migratory species as listed in Annex 1 to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Union shall provide financial contribution for access to fishery resources in Guinea-Bissau's fishing zone and sectoral support to contribute to the development of sustainable and responsible fisheries, including small-scale fisheries and aquaculture, improve the conditions for exporting fishery products, promote investment in the sector, and promote blue economy. The Parties undertake to promote responsible fishing and to combat IUU fishing in Guinea-Bissau's fishing zone, on the basis of the principles of sustainable management of fishery resources and marine ecosystems. The Parties shall cooperate in monitoring of the evolution of stocks and fisheries in Guinea-Bissau's fishing zone during the period covered by this Protocol. Guinea-Bissau may impose a closed area or period as part of a resource conservation measure. In this case, the Joint Committee shall meet to analyse the basis for that decision, assess the impact of that closure on the activity of Union vessels in the context of the Agreement and decide on potential corrective measures.
The Parties undertake to promote the economic integration of Union operators into Guinea-Bissau's fishing industry as a whole, in particular by setting up joint ventures and building infrastructure. The Parties shall cooperate in order to raise awareness of commercial and industrial opportunities among private Union operators, in particular with regard to direct investments, in Guinea-Bissau's fisheries sector. The implementation of this Protocol may be suspended at the initiative of one of the Parties under the conditions referred to in Article 17 of this Protocol. Each Party may terminate this Protocol requiring prior six months notice.