First European Aid Arrives

Mayotte could benefit for the first time from European aid to modernize its fishing fleet.

On April 2nd, the European Commission approved a scheme for 16 categories of vessels in the French overseas territories, including a specific segment for Mayotte. This decision has been awaited for nearly ten years by professionals, as many fishermen remain in port today.

The program covers four territories: seven segments in Guadeloupe, four in Martinique, four in Réunion, and one in Mayotte. The French government will finance half, and the regional authorities the other half. Fishermen will be able to submit their applications as soon as the regional offices open. This aid aims to modernize or replace aging vessels, improve working conditions for fishermen, and support the sector’s energy transition.

For the Minister for Overseas Territories, Naïma Moutchou, “this decision will allow the renewal of the fishing fleet, which professionals in the overseas territories have been waiting for since 2022, to continue.” The latter emphasizes that fishing is a strategic sector and a pillar of food sovereignty for the overseas territories.

In Mayotte, however, the support system remains limited. The fleet consists of small artisanal boats and larger vessels capable of offshore sailing. Limiting aid to only one segment risks leaving the latter stranded in port. “Only small boats would be eligible. Vessels of 10 to 12 meters, necessary to remain at sea for up to twenty days, will not be able to benefit from the support,” explains Abdoul Karim Saïd Nidhoim, President of the local maritime union.

Access to aid remains a sensitive issue. The Maritime Affairs authorities still need to clarify the criteria and required documents. Meanwhile, several fishermen have been stranded since the expiration of a permit, and local fish production is suffering. With the fish market closed, the pontoon not yet built, and competition from fishermen from Réunion, the situation remains difficult.

European discussions are continuing to extend the scheme to new segments and provide sustainable support for the sector, so that Mayotte fishermen can resume their activity under better conditions.