The Community and the Government of the Russian Federation have negotiated and initialled an Agreement on cooperation in fisheries and the conservation of the living marine resources in the Baltic Sea. This Agreement, published in the OJEU on May 28th 2009, provides for a close cooperation between both Parties on the basis of the principle of equitable and mutual benefit for the purpose of conservation, sustainable exploitation and management of any straddling, associated and dependent stocks in the Baltic Sea.

The Agreement between the European Community and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation in fisheries and the conservation of the living marine resources in the Baltic Sea lays down the principles and procedures relating to the close cooperation between the Parties with the purpose of ensuring that the exploitation of the straddling, associated and dependent stocks in the Baltic Sea provides sustainable economic, environmental and social conditions.

Both the EU and Russian Federation will therefore base their cooperation on the best scientific advice available and on any other relevant data, shall apply the precautionary approach and shall agree to develop an eco-system based approach to fisheries management. These and other issues related to cooperation within the area have been at stake in the development of a regional strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

The geographical area to which this Agreement will apply, includes all waters of the Baltic Sea and the Belts, excluding internal waters, bounded in the west by a line as from Hasenore Head to Gniben Point, from Korshage to Spodsbierg and from Gilbierg Head to the Kullen.

Each Party may, on the basis of the principle of mutual benefit and in compliance with its own legislation, allow fishing vessels of the other Party to fish within the Exclusive Economic Zone of this Party in the Baltic Sea, and they may exchange quotas in the Baltic Sea on a reciprocal basis.

To achieve the objectives of this Agreement the Parties shall establish measures governing the exploitation of the straddling stocks in the Baltic Sea, while taking into account associated and dependent species. The measures may include, inter alia:

• Total allowable catches (TACs) for the straddling stocks and groups of straddling stocks as well as allocations between the Parties. The allocations shall be based on the historical distribution of fishing possibilities taking into account the need to have a more stock specific management as advised by International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
• Long-term management plans for the fisheries on straddling stocks.
• Limitation of fishing effort.
• Technical measures.

Each Party shall agree to inspections on its fishing vessels carried out by the competent bodies of the other Party responsible for fishing operations in its Exclusive Economic Zone in the Baltic Sea. Each Party shall facilitate such inspections for the purpose of monitoring the observance of the regulatory measures and regulations referred to in the Agreement.

Joint Baltic Sea Fisheries Committee

To achieve the objectives of this Agreement, the Parties shall establish a Joint Baltic Sea Fisheries Committee, which will:

• Examine the development and dynamics of the straddling, associated and dependent stocks in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries exploiting them.
• Supervise the implementation, interpretation and smooth operation of the Agreement, in particular on the provisions on control, enforcement and inspection.
• Ensure the necessary liaison concerning matters of common interest relating to fisheries.
• Serve as a forum for the amicable resolution of disputes which might arise regarding the interpretation or application of this Agreement.

The Agreement will be applied provisionally from the date of signature and shall enter into force from the date of receiving the last written notification that all internal procedures required for its coming into force, have been fulfilled by the Parties. It will remain in force for an initial period of six years after the date of its entry into force.