Junta of Andalusia hails imminent return of Andalusian fishermen to Moroccan waters

The joint committee in charge of the implementation of the Morocco-EU fisheries agreement has granted fishing authorizations to European boats which met all requirements, following its first meeting on Thursday and Friday in Rabat.

 

In a statement, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development minister in the autonomous government of Andalusia, Elena Viboras, hailed the fact that the Andalusian fishermen are "happy" to return to Moroccan waters "after a break of three years."

 

In this regard, she underlined "the economic importance" of this agreement for Gibraltar Strait ports, particularly Barbate port in Cadiz (South of Spain), which will allow more than 400 fishermen to operate in Moroccan waters and create 300 indirect jobs in the auxiliary industry.

 

The Andalusian official noted that the implementation of this agreement was suspended due to some technical issues that have been resolved definitively, during the meeting of the Joint Commission.

 

Viboras said 29 fishing vessels in the ports of Algeciras, Barbate, Conil and Tarifa, which have already paid the costs of the licenses in August, may start operating next week, while those not meeting the requirements will apply for the licenses during the month of September to return next month to Moroccan waters.