Expiration of Morocco-EU fisheries deal has implications beyond Western Sahara

Expiration of Morocco-EU fisheries deal has implications beyond Western Sahara

The Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between Morocco and the European Union (EU) officially expired on July 17, threatening consequences on EU’s relations with Rabat and hurting trade between the two sides. The deal that had been in place for four years generated $233 million from the bloc to the Maghreb country, in return for licenses for EU fisheries off Morocco’s coast.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The expiration of the Morocco-EU fisheries deal has implications that align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The deal aimed to promote sustainable fishing practices and protect marine resources, contributing to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The deal generated significant economic benefits for Morocco, supporting job creation and economic growth in the country.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The partnership between Morocco and the EU exemplified international cooperation and collaboration towards achieving the SDGs.

Implications for EU-Rabat Relations

The expiration of the fisheries deal poses potential consequences for the relations between the EU and Rabat. The trade and economic cooperation between the two sides may be negatively affected, impacting various sectors and industries.

Trade and Economic Impact

The deal’s expiration could have significant economic implications, particularly for the fishing industry in both Morocco and the EU. The loss of access to Moroccan waters for EU fisheries could disrupt trade and result in financial losses for both parties.

Way Forward

In order to mitigate the negative consequences of the expired fisheries deal, it is crucial for Morocco and the EU to engage in dialogue and negotiations to establish a new agreement that aligns with the principles of sustainable development and supports the achievement of the SDGs.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water – This goal focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – This goal emphasizes the importance of global partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 14.4: By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible.
• Target 17.16: Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all countries, in particular developing countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• No specific indicators are mentioned in the article.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Source: al-monitor.com

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