Denmark has established a new Real-Time Closure (RTC) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 23 of December 2022 to the 30 of December 2022 24:00 hrs (See more Information).
Denmark has established a new Real-Time Closure (RTC) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 23 of December 2022 to the 30 of December 2022 24:00 hrs (See more Information).
Today the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) presented the three new EFCA´s chartered patrol vessels, which will serve as additional platforms for EU fisheries inspections in European and international waters.
Following the mandate from the EU institutions to strengthen EFCA´s operational capacity for assisting the Member States and the European Commission in the monitoring, control and surveillance of fisheries, as required by the Common Fisheries Policy, EFCA has reinforced its fleet with three new offshore patrol vessels, following the award of a public call for tender. These are the only patrol vessels whose operations are managed by an EU Agency. They have been named as Ocean Guardian, Ocean Protector and Ocean Sentinel.
All three vessels fly the Portuguese flag, and will be deployed primarily as fisheries patrol vessels to support MS in the different EFCA joint deployment plans from the Mediterranean and Black Sea to the Western Waters, North Sea, Baltic Sea, NAFO and NEAFC.
The vessels will also be deployed as fisheries patrol vessel in the scope of multipurpose operations in the framework of European cooperation on coast guard functions. The three vessels, during their operations will also be available for supporting other coast guard functions, inter alia, providing support during search and rescue situations, maritime surveillance and pollution response.
In addition to seaborne means, EFCA has also contracted an aircraft to carry out aerial surveillance services for fisheries control, thus providing an additional tool to support MS in the different EFCA joint deployment plans.
"Today is an important milestone in the history of the Agency. The chartering of three inspection platforms marks a turning point and materializes our strong commitment to support Member States authorities and the European Commission promoting compliance with the fisheries rules, as well as contributing for safe, secure and sustainable sea. The vessels´ modern facilities and technologies ensure a safe and comfortable stay onboard. Their deployment could be seen as a specific oceans safeguarding measure which enhances the EU capacity to improve the effectiveness of fisheries control operations in the EU and beyond ” said Susan Steele, EFCA Executive Director.
BACKGROUND
Contractual information
Following an open call for tender, in June 2022 EFCA awarded the contract for chartering three offshore fisheries patrol vessels to a consortium led by Sentinel Marine Netherlands. The framework contract between EFCA and the consortium has been signed for an initial period of 24 months and may be renewed up to a total contract duration of six years.
Regarding the airborne control means, in September 2022 EFCA awarded a Specific Contract for aerial surveillance services for fisheries control to DEA. The process was done under the inter-institutional framework service contract for Surveillance Aircraft Services for Border & Coast Guard Functions to which EFCA is a participating institution.
The aircraft, which is a DA62 fit for mid-range maritime multirole surveillance missions, will be deployed until the end of May 2023 to support MS in their specific JDP under direct operational management of EFCA. The intention is to have an aircraft deployed for fisheries patrol purposes on a more permanent basis and in tandem with EFCA chartered OPVs as appropriate.
Summary of the technical data of the vessels
The three EU ships are Multi-Role Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRV) with overall length of 62 meters each. Two were built in 2018 with the third one in 2020.
All of them have a Dynamic Position System to better maintain their position and balance the environmental forces such as wind, waves and currents during the duty while reducing fuel consumption to a minimum.
The offshore fisheries patrol vessels are fully equipped with ergonomic and modern onboard facilities to ensure a comfortable stay and an enjoyable working environment during the patrols, including space for physical exercise and after work relax.
On each of the ships seven ensuite cabins for single or double use will be available to the Agency, as well as a meeting room with digital projection capacity and high broadband internet connection for live video conferencing as well as access to various fisheries control systems/databases.
The vessels were also required to prove ecological responsibility and have been certified with the ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management.
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.
L’analyse préliminaire de l’opération conjointe de contrôle des pêches « PESCAO - African Nemo » au Cap-Vert, en Gambie et au Sénégal montre que le soutien de l’AECP est efficace et essentiel pour renforcer la coordination régionale et décourager la pêche illicite
Aujourd’hui, une opération de contrôle des pêches couvrant les eaux du Cap-Vert, de la Gambie et du Sénégal en Afrique de l’Ouest, s’est achevée avec succès. La campagne conjointe, d’une durée de deux semaines, a été coordonnée par la Commission sous-régionale des pêches (CSRP). L’opération reposait sur le soutien de l’Agence européenne de contrôle des pêches (AECP), dans le cadre du programme PESCAO financé par l’UE, et de la marine française, dans le cadre de l’opération « Grand African NEMO 23.1 ». Cette coopération illustre très concrètement les synergies entre les initiatives financées par l’UE et celles des États membres de l’UE en matière de contrôle et d’inspection des pêches dans la région.
L’AECP et la CSRP, organisme régional de pêche basé à Dakar (Sénégal), qui rassemble 7 pays d’Afrique de l’Ouest[1] pour coordonner le contrôle et la surveillance des pêches, ont établi le centre de coordination à Praia (COSMAR), au Cap-Vert. Le centre a bénéficié d’une analyse en temps réel de l’imagerie satellitaire et des systèmes de repérage des navires par des experts de l’AECP, en s’appuyant sur son expérience dans les eaux de l’UE.
En outre, l’AECP a affrété un aéronef pour effectuer une surveillance aérienne tout au long de l’opération, afin de faciliter la réalisation d’observations et la détection d’infractions potentielles. L’AECP a relevé l’effet dissuasif potentiel des moyens aériens. Un portail à distance a permis à l’AECP et au centre de coordination de suivre la surveillance aérienne en temps réel, et a fourni en direct des vidéos et des images des navires de pêche.
L’opération a également concerné les moyens de contrôle de la marine française déployés dans la zone, notamment un avion de surveillance Falcon-50 et le navire patrouilleur « Premier maître L’Her », qui a embarqué un inspecteur cap verdien.
En outre, l’AECP a soutenu une opération de recherche et de sauvetage qui a été gérée sous l’autorité du Centre commun de coordination du sauvetage du Cap-Vert, après que son avion a intercepté un appel de détresse d’un voilier, qui a été rapidement assisté par le COSMAR.
« PESCAO - African Nemo » est la 12ème opération conjointe de contrôle organisée dans le cadre du programme PESCAO financé par l’UE, auquel l’AECP participe en fournissant une assistance technique à la CSRP et au Comité des pêches du golfe de Guinée occidental et central (basé à Tema, Ghana), ainsi qu’à leurs pays membres. Le programme PESCAO vise, entre autres objectifs, à améliorer la gouvernance régionale de la pêche en Afrique de l’Ouest pour lutter contre la pêche illégale, afin de maintenir des stocks halieutiques sains dans une région du monde où la pêche constitue l’une des principales sources de protéines et de moyens de subsistance de la population locale.
[1] Cap-Vert, Gambie, Guinée, Guinée-Bissau, Mauritanie, Sénégal et Sierra Leone
Preliminary analysis of joint fisheries control operation “PESCAO African Nemo” in Cape Verde, Gambia and Senegal proves EFCA’s support successful and essential to enhance regional coordination and deter illegal fishing
Today sees the end of a successful fisheries control operation which has been ongoing since the 6 February the waters of Cape Verde, Gambia and Senegal in Western Africa, under the coordination of the Subregional Fisheries Commission (SRFC). The action counted on the support of the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), in the framework of the EU-funded Programme PESCAO and the French Navy, through the operation “Grand African NEMO 23.1.”. This cooperation is a very concrete illustration of the synergies between EU-funded and EU Member States initiatives on fisheries control and inspection in the region.
The EFCA and the SRFC, a regional fisheries body based in Dakar (Senegal) that brings together 7 Western African countries[1] to coordinate fisheries control and surveillance, established the single coordination centre in Praia (COSMAR), Cape Verde. The centre benefitted from the assistance by means of satellite imagery and vessels’ tracking systems analysis, provided by EFCA experts in real time, building on its experience in EU waters.
In addition, EFCA chartered an aircraft to carry out aerial surveillance throughout the whole operation, to facilitate the performance of sightings and detection of potential infringements. EFCA had noted the potential deterrent effect of the aerial means.- Also, a remote portal enabled EFCA and the coordination centre to follow the aerial surveillance in real time and provided live stream video and images of fishing vessels.
The operation also involved the French navy control means deployed in the area: a Falcon-50 surveillance plane and the patrol vessel “Premier maître L’Her”, who took on board a Cape Verdean inspector.
In addition, EFCA supported a search and rescue operation which was managed under the authority of the JRCC of CV after its aircraft intercepted a distress message from a sailing boat, which was promptly assisted by COSMAR.
“PESCAO African Nemo” is the 12th joint operation carried out under the framework of the EU-funded PESCAO programme, to which EFCA participates providing technical assistance to the SRFC and the Fisheries Committee of the West and Central Gulf of Guinea (based in Tema, Ghana), and their member countries. The PESCAO programme aims, amongst other objectives, at improving regional fisheries governance in Western Africa to fight illegal fishing, in order to maintain healthy fish stocks in a region of the world where fishing provides one of the main sources of protein and livelihoods to the local population.
[1] Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, and Sierra Leone
Denmark has established a new Real-Time Closure (RTC) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 18 of February 2023 to the 10 of March 2023 23:59 hrs (See more Information).
Denmark has established a new Real-Time Closure (RTC) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 17 of February 2023 to the 9 of March 2023 23:59 hrs (See more Information).
Denmark has established a new Real-Time Closure (RTC) in their waters of The Skagerrak :
For the period from the 03 of March 2023 to the 16 of March 2023 23:59 hrs (See more Information).
De 8 a 10 de março de 2023, no âmbito do programa da União Europeia PESCAO, a AECP providenciou suporte a uma ação de formação para os operadores de centros de vigilância das pescas (CVP) na Guiné-Bissau, organizada pela Comissão Sub-Regional das Pescas (CSRP), um organismo regional de pesca com sede em Dakar (Senegal), que agrupa 7 países[1] da África Ocidental para reforçar a gestão sustentável dos recursos haliêuticos.
A formação prestou apoio teórico e pratico na área dos sistemas de monitorização das pescas, de forma a promover a capacitação e desenvolvimento de competências em técnicas de análise de dados de monitorização das pescas, com base no manual da AECP “Curso para operadores de centros de vigilância da pesca para países terceiros”.
Os três dias de formação tiveram lugar em Bissau, permitindo dar assim, a oportunidade aos operadores nacionais de CVP de desenvolver e consolidar competências em matéria de sistemas de monitorização remota, acordos internacionais de pesca, tipos de dados de monitorização e metodologias para os procedimentos de vigilância. A formação tinha também uma forte componente prática, com foco na análise de dados de satélite dos navios, e inclui exercícios, de forma a permitir a aplicação das matérias adquiridas em situações de enquadramento real.
A participação da AECP em apoio a esta ação de formação, conta com a suporte técnico da EU através da presença de dois peritos, que durante os 3 dias de treino ira conduzir o curso de introdução a inspeção das pescas em mar e nos portos para países terceiros da AECP.
Esta ação formativa nacional para os operadores dos CVP decorre no âmbito do programa PESCAO financiado pela UE, no qual a AECP participa prestando assistência formativa, técnica e jurídica à CSRP e ao Comité das Pescas do Golfo Ocidental e Central da Guiné (CPCO), e aos respetivos países membros.
O programa PESCAO visa, entre outros objetivos, melhorar a governação regional das pescas na Africa Ocidental para combater a pesca ilegal, de modo a manter unidades populacionais de peixe saudáveis numa região do mundo onde a pesca continua a ser uma das principais fontes de alimento e subsistência das populações.
Informações
A Agência Europeia de Controlo das Pescas é uma agência da União Europeia. A missão da agência consiste em promover as mais elevadas normas comuns de controlo, inspeção e vigilância no âmbito da política comum das pescas da UE. O trabalho da EFCA pauta-se pelo mais elevado nível de exigência e transparência, com vista a desenvolver a necessária confiança e cooperação de todas as partes envolvidas e, por essa via, assegurar a eficácia e eficiência das suas operações.
[1] Cabo Verde, Gâmbia, Guiné, Guiné-Bissau, Mauritânia, Senegal e Serra Leoa
From 8 to 10 March 2023, in the framework of the EU-funded programme PESCAO, EFCA supported the training of Fisheries Monitoring Centres operators organized by the Subregional Fisheries Commission (SRFC), a regional fisheries body based in Dakar (Senegal) that brings together 7 Western African countries[1] to enhance the sustainable management of fisheries resources in the area.
The training provided theoretical and practical knowledge in the subject of fisheries monitoring systems, aiming to promote capacity building and competencies in fisheries monitoring data analysis technics based on the EFCA manual “Course for Fisheries Monitoring Centres operators for non-EU countries”.
These three days of training took place in Bissau, in Guinea-Bissau, and offered the opportunity for national FMC operators to develop and consolidate abilities in remote control systems, international fisheries agreements, types of monitoring data, and methodologies for surveillance procedures. The training also had a strong practical component focused on the analysis of vessel monitoring systems data that included exercises where the trainees were able to challenge themselves with the different skills learned in real situations.
This national training for FMC operators is carried out under the framework of the EU-funded PESCAO programme, in which EFCA participates providing training, legal and technical assistance to the SRFC and the Fisheries Committee of the West and Central Gulf of Guinea (FCWC), as well as their Member States.
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.
Background
The European Fisheries Control Agency is a European Union agency. The agency’s mission is to promote the highest common standards for control, inspection and surveillance under the CFP. 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 effectiveness and efficiency of its operations.
[1] Cabo Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
Today, the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication on an enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy to ensure a peaceful use of the seas and safeguard the maritime domain against new threats. They have also adopted an updated Action Plan through which the Strategy will be implemented.
Maritime security is vital to the European Union and its Member States. Together, the EU’s Member States form the largest combined exclusive economic zone in the world. The EU economy depends greatly on a safe and secure ocean. Over 80% of global trade is seaborne and about two-thirds of the world’s oil and gas is either extracted at sea or transported by sea. Up to 99% of global data flows are transmitted through undersea cables. The global maritime domain must be secure to unlock the full potential of the oceans and the sustainable blue economy. The EU intends to reinforce the wide range of tools it has at its disposal to promote maritime security, both civilian and military.
High Representative Josep Borrell said: "Together with air, outer space and the cyberspace, the sea is an increasingly contested strategic domain. At a time of growing geopolitical tensions, the EU must learn to speak the language of power also at sea. With this updated Strategy, we are making full use of our tools to pursue our interests and promote the rules-based order at sea, together with our partners. We are delivering on our commitment to strengthening the EU’s role as a global maritime security provider, as called for in the Strategic Compass."
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: "We should take the strategic importance of our oceans seriously. The maritime dimension is key to the EU's strategic autonomy, as the prosperity of the European Union and its Member States depends on a safe and secure ocean. The updated Maritime Security Strategy will better protect our citizens and promote our blue economy activities and our interests at sea. We will tackle the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on maritime security, strengthen maritime surveillance tools, enhance our defences against cyber and hybrid threats, and reinforce the protection of critical maritime infrastructure."
Adapting to new threats
Security threats and challenges have multiplied since the adoption of the EU Maritime Security Strategy in 2014, requiring new and enhanced action. Long-standing illicit activities, such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, smuggling of migrants and trafficking of human beings, arms and narcotics, as well as terrorism remain critical challenges. But new and evolving threats must also be dealt with increasing geopolitical competition, climate change and degradation of the marine environment and hybrid and cyber-attacks.
This is an opportunity to drive forward sustainable solutions to the multiple maritime security issues the EU and the international community face. It is also an opportunity to enhance the EU’s role and credibility in the international arena. Recent geopolitical developments, such as Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, are a forceful reminder that the EU needs to enhance its security and step up its capacity to act not only on its own territory and its own waters, but also in its neighbourhood and beyond.
An updated European Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS)
The updated EUMSS is a framework for the EU to take action to protect its interests at sea, and to protect its citizens, values and economy.
The updated Maritime Security Strategy promotes international peace and security, as well as respect for international rules and principles, while ensuring the sustainability of the oceans and the protection of biodiversity. The Strategy will be implemented by the EU and its Member States, in line with their respective competences.
The Joint Communication and associated Action Plan specify several integrated actions that will deliver on the EU's interests. To do so, the EU will step up its action under six strategic objectives:
Step up activities at sea. Actions include organising naval exercises at EU level, developing further coastguard operations in European sea basins, designating new maritime areas of interests for the implementation of the Coordinated Maritime Presences concept (a tool to enhance coordination of Member States’ naval and air assets present in specific maritime areas) and reinforcing security inspections in EU ports.
Cooperate with partners. Actions include deepening EU-NATO cooperation and stepping up cooperation with all relevant international partners to uphold the rules-based order at sea, notably the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Lead on maritime domain awareness. Actions include reinforcing coastal and offshore patrol vessel surveillance and strengthening the Common information sharing environment (CISE). This is to make sure the national and EU authorities involved can exchange information in a secure way.
Manage risks and threats. Actions include conducting regular live maritime exercises involving civilian and military actors, monitoring and protecting critical maritime infrastructure and ships (including passenger ships) from physical and cyber threats, and tackling unexploded ordnance and mines at sea.
Boost capabilities. Actions include developing common requirements for defence technologies in the maritime domain, stepping up work on projects such as the European Patrol Corvette (new class of warship), and improving our anti-submarine capabilities.
Educate and train by boosting hybrid and cyber security qualifications notably on the civilian side and conducting training programmes open to non-EU partners.
The updated Strategy and its action plan will contribute to the implementation the EU Strategic Compass for Security and Defence.
Next steps
The Commission and the High Representative invite the Member States to endorse the Strategy and to implement it for their part. The Commission and the High Representative will issue a progress report within three years after the endorsement of the updated Strategy by the Council of the European Union.
Background
The EU Maritime Security Strategy and its Action Plan are in place since 2014. The Action Plan was last updated in 2018. The proposed update follows up on the Council Conclusions on maritime security of June 2021, which called on the Commission and the High Representative to assess the need for such update.
Since 2014, the EUMSS and its Action Plan have provided a comprehensive framework to deter and respond to security challenges at sea. They have stimulated closer cooperation between civilian and military authorities, in particular through information exchange. The EUMSS has helped promote rules-based governance at sea and to develop international cooperation in the maritime domain. It has strengthened the EU’s autonomy and capacity to respond to maritime security threats and challenges. The EU has become a recognised actor in maritime security, conducting its own naval operations, enhancing maritime domain awareness and cooperating with a wide range of external partners.
For More Information
Factsheet on the updated EU Maritime Security Strategy
Joint Communication on an enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy
Action Plan ‘An enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy for evolving maritime threats’
Questions and Answers on the EU Maritime Security Strategy