The End of a Partnership: What Happened
Gabon has decided to end its 19-year fishing partnership with the European Union, which allowed EU industrial vessels to fish for tuna in Gabonese waters in exchange for payment. The decision was made based on the argument that the agreement no longer served the country's economic interests. The Gabonese government had announced, in a meeting of the Council of Ministers in June 2025, that it would seek to renegotiate the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement (SFPA), before formally ending it on June 29, 2026.
In a statement last year, the Gabonese government stated that the massive exploitation of fish resources was not commensurate with the returns that Gabon should receive in exchange. In a speech in January, government spokesperson Charles Edgard Mombo said that the decision to cancel the agreement reflected Gabon's firm commitment to strengthening its sovereignty over fish resources and promoting a renewed, balanced, sustainable, and mutually beneficial cooperation framework.
Why It Matters: The Stakes and Those Affected
Gabon's decision to end the fishing partnership with the EU has significant implications for the country's economy, as well as for the conservation of fish resources. The partnership allowed EU vessels to fish large quantities of tuna in Gabonese waters, generating revenue for the country, but also raising questions about the sustainability of these fishing practices.
Furthermore, the decision also affects the fishermen and local communities that depend on fishing for their livelihood. The loss of access to Gabonese waters may lead to a reduction in fish catches and, consequently, affect food security and the local economy.
The Mechanism Behind Fishing: Science and Processes
Fishing is a complex process that involves the interaction between marine ecosystems, fish species, and fishing practices. The fishing partnership between the EU and Gabon allowed EU vessels to use fishing techniques such as trawling and longlining, which can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems.
Additionally, an independent assessment commissioned by the European Commission found that the EU paid Gabon an average of €2.6 million ($3 million) annually between 2021 and 2024 in exchange for access to 32,000 tons of tuna. However, it was also found that Gabon captured only 23% of the total economic value generated; nearly half went to other countries because EU vessels did...
Broader Context: Trends and Research
Gabon's decision to end the fishing partnership with the EU is part of a broader trend of developing countries seeking to reassert their control over natural resources. This is particularly true in the context of fishing, where the overexploitation of fish resources by foreign vessels has been a recurring problem.
Furthermore, the decision also reflects the growing awareness of the importance of conserving fish resources and the need for sustainable fishing practices. The international community has been working to develop and implement agreements and regulations that promote sustainable fishing and the conservation of marine ecosystems.
What's Next: Implications and Open Questions
Gabon's decision to end the fishing partnership with the EU has significant implications for the country's economy, as well as for the conservation of fish resources. It is likely that the country will seek to establish new fishing partnerships that are more beneficial to its economy and to the conservation of fish resources.
Furthermore, the decision also raises questions about the EU's ability to ensure that its fishing practices are sustainable and respect the rights of developing countries. The international community must continue to work to develop and implement agreements and regulations that promote sustainable fishing and the conservation of marine ecosystems.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published on Mongabay.