Protocol setting out the fishing opportunities and financial compensation provided for in the Agreement between the European Community and the Gabonese Republic on fishing off the coast of Gabon.

The Protocol sets out the fishing opportunities and financial compensation provided for in the Agreement between the European Community and the Gabonese Republic on fishing off the coast of Gabon. The Agreement regards freezer tuna seiners: 42 vessels, surface longliners: 33 vessels. The financial compensation referred to in Article 7 of the Agreement shall be fixed at ECU 270 000 per year. During the period covered by the Protocol, the Community shall contribute to financing measures such as scientific and technical programmes and projects for the protection and surveillance of fishing zones.
In Annex I are indicated the conditions for the granting of licences. The Community authorities shall present to the Gabonese Ministry responsible for fisheries, an application for licences for each vessel. Licences shall be valid for one year. They shall be renewable. The fee shall be set at ECU 25 per tonne caught within Gabon's fishing zones. The shipowners shall complete a statement of catch.
The vessels shall be authorized to engage in fishing activities in the waters beyond twelve nautical miles from the base lines. Vessels shall notify the Gabonese Ministry of their intention to enter or leave Gabon's fishing zone. In case of a vessel found to be fishing without having informed the Gabonese Ministry before any judicial proceedings, an attempt shall be made to resolve the presumed infringement through a compromise procedure. The zones adjacent to oil extraction activities shall be closed to all shipping. (4 articles and 2 Annexes)