·         Background

Cooperation between Iceland and Cabo Verde in the field of fisheries development began in 1980 with the arrival of the M/S Bjartur in Cabo Verde. A new stage in this cooperation began in mid 1984 when Icelandic Development Agency's vessel, the M/S Fengur, arrived in Cabo Verde. With reference to the agreement between the Government of Cape Verde and the Government of Iceland of the 27 Nov 1981 on technical cooperation in the field of fisheries development the executive agencies of the respective Governments , i.e. Interbase E.P. and the Icelandic International Development Agency (ICEIDA) the following was agreed on: Project Document and Plan for 1984. In accordance with the agreement the main objectives of the activities determined the fisheries possibilities off the coast of Cape Verde, including all territorial waters, and to make possible the most effective and rational exploitation of such possibilities in the interest of the Cape Verde population.

·         Objectives

To increase the catch of the fish for exportation by:

a) Increasing the tuna fish catch by extending the tuna fishing season and improving the effectiveness of tuna fishing effort, i.e. through effective methods of obtaining bait fish;

b) Identification of new species for exportation. Determine the distribution and abundance of species.

c) Moreover, the objective was to: develop research facilities in Midelo and training of local staff in fisheries biological working methods, and last but not least, training Cape Verdean fishermen in new fishing methods and handling of gear.

·         Contributions

Contributions by the Government of Iceland:

·         The fishing and research vessel M/S Fengur was made available for the project. The Government of Iceland equipped the M/S Fengur with the fishing gear necessary for the successful implementation of the project, i.e. purse seine, mid-water and bottom trawl, gill nets, hand and long lines. The Government of Iceland was paying the running costs and the costs of repairs and proper maintenance of the M/S Fengur during the course of the program.

·         An Icelandic project team, consisting of 5 advisers (project Manager, Master Fishermen, Mate, Engineer and a Maintenance Expert). ICEIDA bore the costs of their salaries and allowances and international passage to and from Cape Verde, social security and related benefits, including leave.

Contributions by the Government of Cape Verde:

·         The Government of Cape Verde was supposed to ensure effective cooperation between relevant Cape Verdean authorities and the Icelandic advisers. Moreover to provide the additional crew members necessary for the operation of the vessel and bear the cost of all meals on board the vessel while at sea.

·         The Government of Cape was obliged to cover all operational, administrative and related costs and expenditures not contributed by the Government of Iceland.

·         The Government of Cape Verde was responsible for handling, processing and proper marketing of the catch, with the aim of obtaining for the catch a fair market price.

·         Methods

The working methods employed in ICEIDA's fisheries project in Cabo Verde were based on am agreement between the Governments of two countries, the Plan of Operation for each year and the fundamental views of ICEIDA as specified in laws relating to the Agency and the articles of the board.

ICEIDA in Iceland was charged with the supervision of the project. Annually the parties made arrangements for activities to be carried out during each year. In Cabo Verde, personnel for ICEIDA were in the charge of daily management concerning the project in accordance with the Plan of operation for each year and in cooperation with the local authorities.