EU and Cook Islands renew sustainable fisheries partnership

The European Union and the Cook Islands have signed a new protocol to renew their sustainable fisheries partnership agreement for a seven-year period (2025–2032). This agreement grants EU vessels access to the Cook Islands' waters—home to some of the world's healthiest tuna stocks—for a total of 40 fishing days annually. 

The renewed protocol will provide €3.22 million in EU financial support over seven years to strengthen the Cook Islands' sustainable fisheries management, control, and surveillance capacities, as well as its blue economy. 

The partnership underscores both parties' shared commitment to sustainable fisheries and economic development. As members of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), the EU and Cook Islands aim to balance environmental protection with viable fishing opportunities, ensuring the long-term health of marine ecosystems. 

Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner Costas Kadis (pictured) 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.” 

The new protocol will provisionally apply from 9 December 2025, enabling EU fishing activities in the Cook Islands' waters. It will formally enter into force once ratified by both parties, with the EU requiring the consent of the European Parliament. 

More information on this new sustainable fisheries partnership agreement is available online.

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