The EU fleets can legally access African waters through a variety of schemes.

Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPAs) are the bilateral agreements the European Union signs with third countries so that EU vessels can fish in the Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) of that third country. In exchange, the EU gives a financial compensation, that includes sectoral support.

When there is no SFPA signed with a third country, EU vessels or EU-origin vessels can also fish through private agreements.

All European vessels, whether they fish under SFPAs or private agreements, fall under the SMEFF regulation, which requires of them to fish in a sustainable way. The list of these vessels is public and can be found via this link.

Vessels of EU origin can also form a joint venture in a third country, which often includes the obligation of taking the flag of the said country. In the case of a reflagging, the new flag country has the responsibility of control and monitoring over the operations of such a vessel.

We raise awareness about the impacts these various arrangements have on African artisanal fishing communities. For this:

• We monitor the fisheries aspects of EU policies on trade, investments and political reforms related to fisheries, to promote their economic, political and social rights;

• We promote the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities and food security in African countries through information-sharing, advocacy and supporting dialogue between organisations in African countries and EU decision-makers and stakeholders; and

• We support local and pan-African artisanal fisheries professional organisations to ensure that allocation of access systems prioritise those fishers who fish most sustainably and bring the most social and economic benefits to coastal developing countries.