This announcement comes after a productive High Level Meeting (RAN) celebrated in Nouakchott, where the Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, louis planes, and his Mauritanian counterpart for Fisheries, Maritime and Port Infrastructure, Fadhili Sidaty, outlined the next steps of this collaboration.
Minister Luis Planas, who was part of the Spanish delegation that accompanied the President of the Government, Pedro SánchezHe emphasized that the main objective is to ensure the sustainability of marine resources, respecting the principles of sustainability and generating economic benefits for both nations. "Mauritania is a strategic partner for Spain in the fisheries sector," Planas stated, underscoring the importance of the collaboration agreement between the European Union (EU) y Mauritania, the most significant agreement signed with third countries and of vital importance for Spanish trawler fleets, especially those dedicated to shellfish and hake.
In 2024, a total of 33 Spanish vessels operated under license in Mauritanian waters, capturing nearly 15.737 tons, a figure that still falls short of the potential offered by the agreement. Negotiations for the renewal of this agreement, which is valid until November 2026, are expected to begin in November of this year. The relationship goes beyond fishing, as Mauritania It is also the main destination for Spanish ship exports, with 33 vessels sold in the last decade, eight of them in 2024 alone.
The agreement with Mauritania is the most important of those signed by the European Union in the area of fishing and allowed 33 Spanish vessels to fish last year.
The training of local seafarers is a fundamental pillar of this agreement. In this regard, the ministers agreed to strengthen collaboration in this area. Minister Planas has made available the Intermares fisheries cooperation training vessel, which in 2026 will provide nautical and fisheries training to Mauritanian professionals in the ports of Nouadhibou and Nouakchott.
Another crucial point addressed at the meeting was the need for the Spanish and European fleets to be notified well in advance of any biological shutdowns declared by Mauritania in its fishing grounds. This will allow for better planning and help avoid financial losses for operators.
Luis Planas acknowledged Mauritania's efforts in implementing sustainability laws for its marine resources, applicable to all fleets operating in its waters. He also emphasized Mauritania's active participation in various regional fisheries management organizations and its ratification of international conventions on the matter. The minister concluded that Mauritania is a "key player in international fisheries governance" due to the richness and high productivity of its maritime zones, as well as its strategic position in the Ocean.
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