EU and São Tomé and Príncipe renew sustainable fisheries partnership

The European Union and São Tomé and Príncipe have signed a new protocol to continue their 40-year-old partnership on fisheries.

The new four-year protocol will allow EU vessels to fish around 6,500 tonnes of tuna and other migratory species per year in São Tomé and Príncipe's waters. At the same time, increased EU financial support will foster the sustainable development of the fisheries sector in São Tomé and Príncipe.

The EU contribution over 4 years will amount to €3.3 million, i.e. €825,000 per year. €500,000 will be dedicated every year specifically to support São Tomé and Príncipe's sustainable fisheries management, control and surveillance capacities, artisanal fishing and local fishing communities.

In addition to EU funding, EU shipowners will pay São Tomé and Príncipe a licensing and catch fee of €85 per tonne of fish caught to operate in the country's waters.

The provisions of the new protocol will reinforce the good ocean governance and job creation and ensure better working conditions for fishers employed on EU vessels.

Both sides agreed to work together on sustainability of the fish stocks by increasing scientific knowledge and boosting capacity of local administrations to manage fisheries resources.

The protocol explicitly mentions the obligation to respect the recommendations and resolutions of the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and other agreements and legal instruments applicable to sustainable fisheries. It also includes a commitment to respect the working conditions established by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), as well as by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Next steps

The new protocol will apply provisionally as of 6 October 2025 and will enter into force as soon as the ratification process by both parties has been completed. On the EU side, this implies the consent of the European Parliament.

Background

The EU sustainable fisheries partnership with São Tomé and Príncipe is part of the network of tuna fisheries agreements with various countries of the region. It is part of EU efforts to increase food security and promote adequate supply for consumers.

The first agreement entered into force in 1985. The current fisheries partnership agreement concluded between the EU and São Tomé and Príncipe in 2007 is tacitly renewed every four years. To be operational, it requires an implementing protocol, setting conditions for EU fishing activities and contributions to the sustainable development of São Tomé and Príncipe fisheries sector. The new protocol will replace the previous one, which expired in December 2024.

More information

Sustainable fisheries partnership agreements (SFPAs)

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Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said:

"Today marks a significant milestone as we have a new implementing protocol to our Fishery Partnership Agreement with São Tomé and Príncipe. This protocol reinforces our shared commitment to responsible, sustainable fisheries and shows the power of cooperation in preserving the ocean. Together we secure the future of our shared resources, supporting local communities and ecosystems. Our collaboration sets a model for sustainable fishing that benefits all and fosters long-term ecological and economic resilience."

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