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The Multipurpose Maritime Operation (MMO) taking place in the Adriatic Sea has kicked off and will run until the 9 October 2023. It will be led by EFCA and has been agreed between EFCA, EMSA and FRONTEX in cooperation with the authorities of Italy, Croatia and Slovenia.

The overall aim of the MMO is to enhance European cooperation on coast guard functions by providing increased technical and operational assistance to the host Member States by coordinating operational activities. The operational activities are conducted in an operational area, that include Italian, Slovenia and Croatian sovereignty waters, contiguous zones, Exclusive Economic Zones and international waters of Adriatic Sea. 

The participating Member States are Croatia, Italy and Slovenia. EFCA as leading agency contributes with one offshore patrol vessel, the Ocean Sentinel, one fixed wing aircraft, and different systems supporting the operation.  EMSA is providing RPAS on board of the patrol vessel and the maritime picture via the Agency’s Integrated Maritime Services (IMS).  FRONTEX is supporting Croatia to provide 6 coastal patrol boats.

The European Coordination Centre (ECC) is established within the Coordination Centre located in EFCA headquarters, in Vigo (Spain), with the virtual participation of those participants attending remotely. The European Coordination Centre is hosting daily coordination meetings.

Moreover, as part of EMSA’s and EFCA’s Service Level Agreement, both Agencies have completed the successful installation of a ro-trawl net system and five tonnes of dispersants onboard EFCA’s chartered vessel, the Ocean Sentinel in Ravenna. This comes in addition to comprehensive crew training in the deployment of this oil pollution response equipment. The Ocean Sentinel marks the first of three currently EFCA chartered vessels in this effort. EFCA multirole offshore fisheries patrol vessels have gained additional valuable capacity through this collaboration, hence it also strengthens cooperation in coast guard functions between the agencies in support of MS authorities. EFCA vessels will join EMSA’s oil pollution fleet and will be ready to be activated on MS request in case support would be needed in the event of oil pollution incidents in EU waters. 

A small-scale SAR exercise led by EMSA (SARex 2023) will take place on 26 September in the North Adriatic Sea area within the framework of the MMO Adria 2023. The objective of the SARex 2023 is to enhance cooperation and coordination between the involved SAR authorities of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia as well as to gain heightened situational awareness and experience in the use of communication systems/channels. 

Denmark has established two new Real-Time Closures (RTC) in their waters starting from 20/09/2023.

More information

The e-FishMed e-learning platform was launched today to improve the effectiveness of training activities and to reinforce knowledge and competences of fisheries control and inspection staff in the Mediterranean and Eastern Atlantic areas. The platform counts already with 151 pre-registered users amongst the authorized e-FishMed Beneficiary Countries’ staff involved in fisheries control and inspection activities.

The platform will host e-learning modules and other training material such as video tutorials, manuals and international, regional and national legislation, allowing fisheries inspectors and fisheries monitoring centres’ operators to train themselves at anytime from anywhere. The platform will also provide tools and functionalities to reinforce life-long learning and to foster interchange of experiences and best practices between northern and southern Mediterranean countries.

The platform is at the core of the European Union (EU)-funded e-FishMed project, supported and implemented by the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA). The e-FishMed project contributes to harmonising fisheries control and inspection activities and promotes cooperation against Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated (IUU) fishing and the implementation of control of conservation and management measures in the Mediterranean. The project will also contribute to creating the conditions for a sustainable Blue Economy in that area. 

The launch coincided with the first e-FishMed Train-the-Trainers course, a three-day training session aimed to reinforce capacities, skills and competences of fishery inspectors involved in training activities for their peers. The training also had the objective of supporting the trainers in the use of the e-FishMed e-learning platform.

The course was hosted by Malta, one of the partner Member States of the E-FishMed project. 11 Fisheries inspectors from Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia, Beneficiary Countries of the project, participated to the training.

More information on the e-FishMed e-learning platform at : Project e-FishMed | European Fisheries Control Agency (europa.eu)(EN)

Background

EFCA is an EU agency that promotes the highest common standards for the control, inspection, and surveillance under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). EFCA was established to organise operational coordination activities by the Member States and to assist them to cooperate so as to comply with the CFP rules in order to ensure its effective and uniform application. EFCA also supports non-EU countries in the framework of EU funded capacity building Projects.

The added value of the work of the agency lies in its contribution to sustainable fisheries by enhancing compliance with conservation and management measures and to a playing field for the fishing industry.

• European Commission Communication on Sustainable Blue Economy
• Joint Communication on a “Renewed partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood” issued in February 2021

La plateforme d’apprentissage en ligne e-FishMed a été lancée aujourd’hui afin d’améliorer l’efficacité des activités de formation et de renforcer les connaissances et les compétences du personnel de contrôle et d’inspection des pêches dans les zones de la Méditerranée et de l’Atlantique Est. La plateforme compte déjà 151 utilisateurs pré-enregistrés parmi les agents autorisés personnels des pays bénéficiaires d’e-FishMed impliqués dans les activités de contrôle et d’inspection des pêches.

La plateforme accueillera des modules d’apprentissage en ligne et d’autres matériels de formation tels que des tutoriels vidéo, des manuels et des législations internationales, régionales et nationales, permettant aux inspecteurs des pêches et aux opérateurs de centres de surveillance des pêches de se former à tout moment et n’importe où. La plateforme fournira également des outils et des fonctionnalités pour renforcer l’apprentissage tout au long de la vie et favoriser l’échange d’expériences et de bonnes pratiques entre les pays du nord et du sud de la Méditerranée.

La plateforme d’apprentissage en ligne est au cœur du projet e-FishMed financé par l’Union Européenne (UE), soutenu et mis en œuvre par l’Agence européenne de contrôle des pêches (AECP). Le projet e-FishMed contribue à l’harmonisation des activités de contrôle et d’inspection des pêches et encourage la coopération contre la pêche Illégale, Non déclarée, Non réglementée (INN) et la mise en place de mesures de conservation et de gestion en Méditerranée. Le projet contribuera également à créer les conditions d’une économie bleue durable dans ce domaine. 

Ce lancement a coïncidé avec la première formation des formateurs e-FishMed, une session de formation de trois jours visant à renforcer les capacités, les aptitudes et les compétences des inspecteurs de la pêche participant à des activités de formation pour leurs pairs. La formation avait également pour objectif de soutenir les formateurs dans l’utilisation de la plateforme d’apprentissage en ligne e-FishMed.

La formation s’est tenue à Malte, l’un des Etats membres partenaires du projet E-FishMed. 11 inspecteurs des pêches d’Algérie, de Libye, du Maroc et de Tunisie, pays bénéficiaires du projet, ont participé à la formation.

Vous trouverez plus d’informations sur le projet e-FishMed et sa Plateforme ici.

Contexte

L’AECP est une agence de l’UE qui promeut les normes communes les plus élevées en matière de contrôle, d’inspection et de surveillance dans le cadre de la politique commune de la pêche (PCP). L’AECP a été créée pour assurer la coordination opérationnelle des activités des États membres et les aider à coopérer afin de respecter les règles de la PCP et en garantir l’application effective et uniforme. L’AECP soutient également les pays tiers dans le cadre de projets de renforcement des capacités financés par l’UE.

La valeur ajoutée des travaux de l’Agence réside dans sa contribution à la pêche durable en renforçant le respect des mesures de conservation et de gestion et à la mise en place de conditions de concurrence équitables dans le secteur de la pêche.

• Communication de la Commission européenne sur l’économie bleue durable 
• Communication conjointe sur «Un partenariat renouvelé avec le voisinage méridional » publiée en février 2021

The Administrative Board adopted, during its 41^st meeting held online on 20 October, the Single Programming Document (SPD), which contains the Multiannual work programme 2024-2028 and the EFCA´s work programme for year 2024. This programming is oriented towards achieving the overarching goal of the Agency of enhancing the implementation of a uniform and efficient Common Fisheries Policy. 

The SPD 2024-2028 presents a five-year cycle for the Agency´s work and gives a picture of the mid-term operational activities according to EFCA’s strategic areas, consolidating priorities and projects that are currently running. 

This document is a key planning tool to deliver EFCA’s mandate and the new changes that are coming up, such as the implementation of the new fisheries control regulation. The agency will have key new tasks in its implementation, including the assignment of Union Inspectors. Besides, a new JDP is anticipated to be added for the Indian Ocean.

EFCA will keep assisting the EU Member States through operational coordination of their control and inspection activities, to ensure the effective and uniform applications of the Common Fisheries Policy. Specific work will be devoted to the improvement of common procedures, methodologies and best practices in support of the EFCA´s joint deployment plans. Moreover, EFCA will also continue assisting the European Union in implementing the international dimension of the Common Fisheries Policy and will keep strengthening its cooperation with EMSA and Frontex in the context of the coast guard cooperation.

EFCA´s activities renew its commitment to the Sustainable Blue Economy in the context of the “European Green Deal'', one of the Commission’s six political priorities, particularly when it comes to the ‘zero-tolerance' approach to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing’ to preserve and restore ecosystems and biodiversity.

Besides, the Board members have given the green light to the budget for 2024, showing an amount of 30,584 million to expend next year.

Background

EFCA is a European Union agency that promotes the highest common standards for the control, inspection and surveillance under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). EFCA was established to organise operational coordination activities by the Member States and to assist them to cooperate so as to comply with the rules in order to ensure its effective and uniform application.

The added value of the work of the agency lies in its contribution to sustainable fisheries by enhancing compliance with conservation and management measures and to a European-wide level playing field for the fishing industry.

The Administrative Board is the governing and controlling body of EFCA. It is composed of six members of the European Commission and one representative per Member State. The Administrative Board holds a meeting at least once a year.

From 18 to 20 October 2023, in the framework of the EU-funded programme PESCAO, the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) provided a national training on fisheries law and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing for legal officers in Banjul, Gambia.

The three-day training allowed legal officers of the Ministry of Justice, The Gambia Navy, the Gambia Maritime Administration, and the Fisheries Department of the Ministry of Fisheries and Water Resources to become aware of the impact of IUU fishing in West Africa and be aware of all legal instruments available for fighting against it.

The training consisted of theory sessions and practical exercises to improve the knowledge and build capacity regarding international, regional, and national legislation related to the fight against IUU fishing. The last training session entailed a field visit to the Ministry's Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Unit and the Banjul Fisheries Jetty. The participants had the chance to see the Gambian Fisheries Monitoring Centre, and took part in a port inspection, to get acquainted with the actual experience of fisheries control, 

This training has been organised in the framework of the EU-funded PESCAO programme, in which EFCA participates providing training, legal and technical assistance to the Subregional Fisheries Commission (SRFC), and the Fisheries Committee of the West and Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), as well as their Member States. 

Background

EFCA is a European Union agency. The agency’s mission is to promote the highest common standards for control, inspection, and surveillance under the European Union Common Fisheries Policy. The EFCA will function at the highest level of excellence and transparency with a view to developing the necessary confidence and cooperation of all parties involved and, in so doing, to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations.

The PESCAO programme aims, amongst other objectives, at improving regional fisheries governance in Western Africa to fight illegal fishing, and to maintain healthy fish stocks in a region of the world where fishing remains one of the main sources of protein and livelihoods, therefore alleviating poverty and improving food security.

From 16 to 17 November 2023, in the framework of the regional Programme PESCAO (2018-2023), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with the support of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), organised a closing seminar in Dakar to present and discuss the results of the Programme for improved regional fisheries governance in West Africa, PESCAO, funded by the European Union.

During the two-day seminar, the main results achieved, and the lessons learned were presented to a large audience. The representatives of the three PESCAO Components (DEMERSTEM, ECOWAS, EFCA, FAO-CECAF, FCWC, GREPPAO, and SRFC) as well as 13 PESCAO beneficiary countries (Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo), and EU Delegations attended and participated actively in this event.

In the framework of the first Component of PESCAO, the ECOWAS representative presented the outcomes in relation to the improvement of a Western African fisheries and aquaculture policy, as well as the strengthened level of coordination of the regional stakeholders.

The second Component was dedicated to the “Improvement of prevention and responses to IUU fishing through strengthened monitoring, control and surveillance at national and regional levels” was discussed over two panels. EFCA, the beneficiary regional fisheries bodies (Subregional Fisheries Commission (SRFC) and Fisheries Committee for the West Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC)), and several country representatives presented the results achieved during the past 6 years. 

The first panel drew on the activities related to the harmonisation and alignment of fisheries legal frameworks, as well as inter-agency and regional cooperation support, highlighting the drafting of 10 legal texts in 4 countries, the organisation of two workshops on interagency cooperation, and the drafting of 2 MoUs, to name but a few.

The second panel was dedicated to the operational support to the fight against IUU fishing, namely the organisation of joint fisheries patrols and the setting-up of a regional fisheries monitoring centre, as well as to training and capacity building in fisheries monitoring, control, and surveillance. It is worth noting that 17 joint patrols have been organised or contributed to in the framework of PESCAO. It is also worth noting that in terms of capacity building 41 training were organised and 766 officials benefited from EFCA PESCAO training activities with very high level of satisfaction.

Several organisations and initiatives with a key role in the PESCAO Programme Component 3 also attended the seminar, namely DEMERSTEM, FAO-CECAF, and GREPPAO, to present the objectives achieved and the way forward regarding marine resources conservation and management at the regional level.

To close the seminar, the EU representative presented the upcoming EU-funded Programme, West Africa Sustainable Ocean Programme (WASOP), that will not only ensure the continuity and sustainability of PESCAO objectives, but also contribute to the blue economy in the region, from 2024 onwards.

Background

EFCA is a European Union agency. The agency’s mission is to promote the highest common standards for control, inspection, and surveillance under the European Union Common Fisheries Policy. The EFCA functions at the highest level of excellence and transparency with a view to developing the necessary confidence and cooperation of all parties involved and, in so doing, to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of its operations.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional political and economic union of fifteen countries located in West Africa (including the 13 PESCAO countries supported by the PESCAO Programme, Burkina Faso and Mali). The aim of the Community is to promote cooperation and integration, leading to the establishment of an economic union in West Africa in order to raise the living standards of its people, and to maintain and enhance economic stability, foster relations among Member States, and contribute to the progress and development of the African continent.

The PESCAO Programme aims, amongst other objectives, at improving regional fisheries governance in Western Africa to fight illegal fishing, and to maintain healthy fish stocks in a region of the world where fishing remains one of the main sources of protein and livelihoods, therefore alleviating poverty and improving food security.

Du 16 au 17 novembre 2023, dans le cadre du Programme régional PESCAO (2018-2023), la Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO), avec le soutien de l’Agence européenne de contrôle des pêches (AECP), a organisé un séminaire de clôture à Dakar pour présenter et discuter des résultats du Programme d’amélioration de la gouvernance régionale des pêches en Afrique de l’Ouest (PESCAO), financé par l’Union européenne.

Au cours du séminaire de deux jours, les principaux résultats obtenus et les enseignements tirés ont été présentés à un large public. Les représentants des trois composantes de PESCAO (AECP, CEDEAO, CPCO, CSRP, DEMERSTEM, FAO-CECAF, et GREPPAO) ainsi que 13 pays bénéficiaires de PESCAO (Bénin, Cap-Vert, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambie, Ghana, Guinée, Guinée-Bissau, Libéria, Mauritanie, Nigéria, Sénégal, Sierra Leone et Togo) et des délégations de l’UE ont participé activement à cet événement.

Dans le cadre de la première composante de PESCAO, le représentant de la CEDEAO a présenté les résultats concernant l’amélioration d’une politique de pêche et d’aquaculture en Afrique de l’Ouest, ainsi que le renforcement du niveau de coordination des parties prenantes régionales.

La deuxième composante consacrée à « l’amélioration de la prévention et des réponses à la pêche INN par le renforcement du suivi, du contrôle et de la surveillance aux niveaux national et régional » a été examinée par deux panels d’experts. L’AECP, les organismes régionaux de pêche bénéficiaires (Commission sous-régionale des pêches (CSRP) et Comité des pêches pour le centre-ouest du golfe de Guinée (CPCO)) et plusieurs représentants de pays ont présenté les résultats obtenus au cours des six dernières années.

Le premier panel s’est appuyé sur les activités liées à l’harmonisation et à l’alignement des cadres juridiques de la pêche sur les normes internationales, ainsi que sur l’appui à la coopération inter-institutions et régionale, en mettant en avant la rédaction de 10 textes juridiques dans 4 pays, l'organisation de deux ateliers sur la coopération inter-agences et la rédaction de 2 Protocoles d’Accord (MoU en anglais), pour ne citer qu’eux.

Le deuxième panel était consacré au soutien opérationnel à la lutte contre la pêche INN, à savoir l’organisation de patrouilles conjointes de pêche et la création d’un centre régional de surveillance des pêches, ainsi qu’à la formation et au renforcement des capacités en matière de suivi, de contrôle et de surveillance des pêches. Il convient ainsi de noter que 17 patrouilles conjointes ont été organisées ou soutenues dans le cadre de PESCAO. Il convient également de noter qu'en termes de renforcement des capacités, 41 formations ont été organisées et 766 agents ont bénéficié des activités de formation PESCAO de l'AECP avec un très haut niveau de satisfaction.

Plusieurs organisations et initiatives ayant un rôle clé dans la composante 3 du Programme PESCAO ont également participé au séminaire, à savoir DEMERSTEM, FAO-CECAF et GREPPAO, afin de présenter les objectifs atteints et la voie à suivre en matière de conservation et de gestion des ressources marines au niveau régional.

Pour clore le séminaire, le représentant de l’UE a présenté le prochain Programme financé par l’UE, le Programme pour un océan durable en Afrique de l’Ouest (WASOP), qui non seulement assurera la continuité et la durabilité des objectifs du Programme PESCAO, mais contribuera également à l’économie bleue dans la région, à partir de 2024.

Contexte

L’AECP est une agence de l’Union européenne. La mission de l’agence est de promouvoir les normes communes les plus élevées en matière de contrôle, d’inspection et de surveillance dans le cadre de la politique commune de la pêche de l’Union européenne. L’AECP fonctionne au plus haut niveau d’excellence et de transparence en vue de développer la confiance et la coopération nécessaires de toutes les parties concernées et, ce faisant, d’assurer l’efficacité et l’efficience de ses opérations.

La Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO) est une union politique et économique régionale de quinze pays situés en Afrique de l’Ouest (dont les 13 pays soutenus par le Programme PESCAO, le Burkina Faso et le Mali). L’objectif de la Communauté est de promouvoir la coopération et l’intégration, conduisant à la création d’une union économique en Afrique de l’Ouest afin d’élever le niveau de vie de ses peuples, de maintenir et de renforcer la stabilité économique, de favoriser les relations entre les États membres et de contribuer au progrès et au développement du continent africain.

Le Programme PESCAO vise, entre autres, à améliorer la gouvernance régionale de la pêche en Afrique de l’Ouest afin de lutter contre la pêche illégale, et à maintenir des stocks halieutiques sains dans une région du monde où la pêche reste l’une des principales sources de protéines et de moyens de subsistance, réduisant ainsi la pauvreté et améliorant la sécurité alimentaire.

De 16 a 17 de novembro de 2023, no âmbito do Programa Regional PESCAO (2018-2023), a Comunidade Económica dos Estados da África Ocidental (CEDEAO), com o apoio da Agência Europeia de Controlo das Pescas (AECP), organizou um seminário de encerramento em Dacar para apresentar e debater os resultados do programa financiado pela União Europeia para a melhoria da governação regional das pescas na África Ocidental (PESCAO).

Durante o seminário de dois dias, os principais resultados e as lições aprendidas foram apresentados a um público alargado. Participaram ativamente neste evento representantes das três componentes do PESCAO (AECP, CEDEAO, CPCO, CSRP, DEMERSTEM, FAO-CECAF e GREPPAO), bem como 13 países beneficiários do PESCAO (Benim, Cabo Verde, Costa do Marfim, Gâmbia, Gana, Guiné-Bissau, Libéria, Mauritânia, Nigéria, Senegal, Serra Leoa e Togo) e delegações da UE.

No âmbito da primeira componente do PESCAO, o representante da CEDEAO apresentou os resultados relativos à melhoria da política das pescas e da aquicultura na África Ocidental, bem como ao reforço do nível de coordenação das partes interessadas regionais.

A segunda componente « Melhorar a prevenção e as respostas à pesca INN através do reforço do acompanhamento, controlo e vigilância a nível nacional e regional» foi examinada por dois painéis de peritos. A AECP, os organismos regionais de pesca beneficiários (Comissão Sub-regional para as Pescas (SCFR) e a Comissão das Pescas para o Golfo Centro-Oeste da Guiné (CPCO)) e vários representantes dos países apresentaram os resultados alcançados nos últimos seis anos.

O primeiro painel baseou-se em atividades relacionadas com a harmonização e o alinhamento dos quadros jurídicos das pescas com as normas internacionais, bem como o apoio à cooperação interagências e à cooperação regional, destacando-se a elaboração de 10 textos jurídicos em 4 países, a organização de dois seminários sobre cooperação interagências e a elaboração de dois memorandos de entendimento, para citar apenas alguns exemplos.

O segundo painel centrou-se no apoio operacional à luta contra a pesca INN, ou seja, na organização de patrulhas conjuntas de pesca e na criação de um centro regional de vigilância das pescas, bem como na formação e no reforço das capacidades em matéria de monitorização, controlo e vigilância das pescas. Realça-se, por conseguinte, que foram organizadas ou apoiadas 17 patrulhas conjuntas no âmbito do PESCAO. Note-se ainda que, em termos de reforço das capacidades, foram organizados 41 cursos de formação e 766 participantes beneficiaram das atividades de formação PESCAO da AECP com um nível de satisfação muito elevado.

Participaram também no seminário várias organizações e iniciativas com um papel fundamental na componente 3 do programa PESCAO, nomeadamente DEMERSTEM, FAO-CECAF e GREPPAO, a fim de apresentar os objetivos alcançados e o caminho a seguir para a conservação e gestão dos recursos marinhos a nível regional.

Para concluir o seminário, o representante da UE apresentou o próximo programa financiado pela UE, o Programa «Oceano Sustentável na África Ocidental» (WASOP), que não só assegurará a continuidade e a sustentabilidade dos objetivos do programa PESCAO, mas também contribuirá para a economia azul na região, com início em 2024.

Contexto

A EFCA é uma agência da União Europeia. A Agência tem por missão promover os mais elevados padrões comuns de controlo, inspeção e vigilância no âmbito da política comum das pescas da UE. A AECP opera ao mais alto nível de excelência e transparência, com vista a desenvolver a confiança e a cooperação necessárias de todas as partes interessadas e, ao fazê-lo, a assegurar a eficácia e eficiência das suas operações.

A Comunidade Económica dos Estados da África Ocidental (CEDEAO) é uma união política e económica regional de 15 países localizados na África Ocidental (incluindo os 13 países apoiados pelo Programa PESCAO, Burquina Faso e Mali). A Comunidade tem por objetivo promover a cooperação e a integração, conduzindo à criação de uma união económica na África Ocidental, a fim de melhorar o nível de vida dos seus povos, manter e reforçar a estabilidade económica, fomentar as relações entre os Estados-Membros e contribuir para o progresso e o desenvolvimento do continente africano.

O programa PESCAO visa, nomeadamente, melhorar a governação regional das pescas na África Ocidental, a fim de combater a pesca ilegal, e manter unidades populacionais saudáveis numa região do mundo onde a pesca continua a ser uma das principais fontes de proteínas e meios de subsistência, reduzindo assim a pobreza e melhorando a segurança alimentar.