The agreement aims to ensure close cooperation between the EU and Russia based on fair and mutual benefit for the purpose of conservation, sustainable use and management of marine life that migrates between the exclusive fishing territories of the two parties (along with associated and dependant species) in the Baltic Sea.
It replaces and builds upon the Gdansk convention.
The regulation adopts the agreement on behalf of the European Community (now the EU).

KEY POINTS

Principles and procedures

The agreement ensures cooperation between the two parties where fish migrate between their respective exclusive economic zones* established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It sets out the principles and procedures for that cooperation which include:

joint management measures;
licensing arrangements;
compliance with conservation and management measures and other fisheries rules;
cooperation on control and enforcement measures;
inspections;
the arrest and detention of vessels;
scientific cooperation; and
cooperation for the conservation of anadromous and catadromous species*.

Joint Baltic Sea Fisheries Committee

The agreement requires the parties to establish a joint committee to ensure that the objectives of the agreement are achieved. It considers all aspects of the scope and application of the agreement and provides recommendations to the parties. In particular, the committee:

examines the development and dynamics of the fish stocks in the Baltic Sea and the fisheries making use of them;
supervises the implementation, interpretation and smooth operation of the agreement, in particular the rules on control, enforcement and inspection;
ensures cooperation on matters of common interest relating to fisheries;
serves as a forum for the amicable resolution of any disputes regarding the interpretation or application of the agreement.

FROM WHEN DOES THE REGULATION APPLY?

The regulation and agreement have applied since 4 June 2009.

BACKGROUND

Political, cultural and economic relations between the EU and Russia are based on a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.

Further information:

Fisheries (European Commission).

KEY TERMS

Exclusive economic zone: an area beyond and next to the territorial sea, for which the coastal country has special rights and jurisdiction.

Anadromous and catadromous species: marine life that moves between fresh and salt water for breeding.

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Council Regulation (EC) No 439/2009 of 23 March 2009 concerning the conclusion of 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 (OJ L 129, 28.5.2009, p.1)

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 (OJ L 129, 28.5.2009, pp. 2-7)