The Impacts of EU Fishing Agreements on Economic and Food Security of Cape Verde

Abstract

In the present study an overview of fisheries agreement between EU and Cape Verde was elucidated using three approaches. First a general background of fisheries sector in Cape Verde, second an overview of exploitation of fishery resource and policy framework and the third an overview of an implementation of the protocol of agreement partnership between the EU and Cape Verde and economic impact of the agreement. My research analysis has revealed that like many other developing countries the fishing sector is not only a vital part of the country’s goal to engage in world trade, but foremost serves as a crucial and inseparable segment of the Cape Verdean community. Agriculture, hunting, forestry, fishing are estimated to account for about 9.9% in 2007 and 9.2% in 2010 of Cape Verde GDP. According to the Fisheries Management Plan, there is a total estimated resource potential of between 35,000 and 43,000 tons. Based on these estimates of potential resources, it would appear that there is considerable room for expanding and developing fisheries in Cape Verde. The diagnosis of my research revealed also that the 3 main stocks concerned by EPA (Economic partnership Agreement) between Cape Verde and EU are: 1) Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) 2) Skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) 3) Bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus).An overview on the implementation of the protocol of agreement partnership between the EU and Cape Verde and its economic impact on Cape Verde revealed that the income that Cape Verde obtained under the current protocol in 2011 and 2012 related to fishing authorizations that Cape Verde has obtained under the current protocol have been respectively of the order of 180,000 Euro and 520,000 Euro.The impact on employment on Cape Verde related to the activity of EU vessels in 2011 and 2012 was about 1,900 jobs. The impact on illegal fishing was related to the entries and departures from the EEZ and delays or non-declaration of catches by vessels, which was facilitated by the vast extension of the Cape Verdean EEZ and the fact that landing was not made in the country. The impact of the agreement on the local fisheries sector was influenced by the violation of some foreign vessels on the fishing operation zone beyond 12 nautical miles. The impact of the agreement with EU on food security had not contributed to food security because no fishery products caught under the agreement have been landed in Cape Verde.