Article 6 New and exploratory fishing opportunities

Should EU vessels be interested in fishing activities which are not indicated in Article 1 of this Protocol, the EU shall consult Guinea-Bissau in order to seek authorisation for these new activities. Where appropriate, the Parties shall agree on the conditions applicable to these new fishing opportunities and, if necessary, make amendments to this Protocol and to the Annex hereto.

The Parties may carry out exploratory fishing trips in Guinea-Bissau fishing zones, subject to an opinion by the joint scientific committee provided for in Article 4 of the Agreement. To this end, they shall hold consultations whenever one of the Parties so requests and determine, on a case-by-case basis, relevant new resources, conditions and other parameters.

Exploratory fishing authorisations shall be granted for testing purposes for a period of no more than 6 months.

Where the Parties conclude that the exploratory fishing trips have produced positive results, while preserving ecosystems and conserving living marine resources, new fishing opportunities may be awarded to EU vessels following the consultation procedure provided for in Article 5 of this Protocol and until the expiry of the Protocol and in accordance with the allowable effort. The financial contribution shall be increased in accordance with Article 5 of this Protocol.

Catches made during exploratory fishing shall be the property of the vessel owner. Catches of species of a non-regulatory size and species which may not be fished, kept on-board or sold under Guinea-Bissau law shall be prohibited.