EU and Cook Islands renew their sustainable fisheries partnership

09.12.2025 Delegation of the European Union to the Pacific

The European Union and the Cook Islands have signed a new protocol to the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement for a duration of 7 years (2025-2032).

This renewed protocol will grant the European Union fleet operating in the Pacific Ocean access to some of the richest and healthiest tuna stocks worldwide, for a total of 40 fishing days per year.

Pamela Maru, Secretary for the Ministry of Marine Resources of the Cook Islands and Costas Kadis, Eu

The European Union and the Cook Islands have signed a new protocol to the sustainable fisheries partnership agreement for a duration of 7 years (2025-2032).

In return, the EU financial support will continue to foster the sustainable development of the fisheries sector and blue economy in Cook Islands.

The EU contribution over 7 years will amount to €3.22 million, i.e. €460,000 per year. €295,000 will be dedicated every year specifically to support Cook Islands sustainable fisheries management, control and surveillance capacities, and blue economy development. In addition to EU funding, EU shipowners will pay €90,000 for the authorisation giving them the right to fish for 10 fishing days in the country’s waters.

This protocol reinforces the EU and Cook Islands’ shared commitment to sustainable fisheries and mutual economic progress, and to continuing a fruitful collaboration in fisheries governance. Both parties being active actors within the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the protocol strikes a fair balance between environmental sustainability and economic viability, ensuring significant fishing opportunities for the EU fleet while respecting the ecosystem’s needs.

Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said:

“Our partnership agreements have gained worldwide recognition as a benchmark for good fisheries governance. The European Union is pleased to continue its fruitful fisheries partnership with Cook Islands over the next seven years. With the renewal of the fisheries protocol, European Union vessels will be able to continue fishing in one of the healthiest tropical tuna stocks. We are particularly proud to contribute, through our sectoral support, to the development of the Cook Islands fisheries sector and blue economy.”

Next steps

The new protocol will provisionally apply as of the date of its signature by the parties and will thus allow the fishing activities of EU vessels in Cook Islands waters as of 9 December 2025. It will enter into force as soon as the ratification process by both parties has been completed, which for the EU implies the consent of the European Parliament.

Background

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

The fisheries partnership agreement (SFPA) concluded between the EU and Cook Islands on 14 October 2016 is tacitly renewed every eight years.

To be operational, it requires an implementing protocol, setting conditions for EU fishing activities and contributions to the sustainable development of Cook Islands fisheries sector. The new protocol will replace the previous one, which expired in December 2024.