Photo above: Russian trawler Admiral Starikov bunkering in Las Palmas in 2008. After some months pause, the Russian fleet returned to waters of occupied Western Sahara in December 2012
On 10 December, the Russian and Moroccan governments signed a controversial four year fisheries agreement. The agreement allowed 10 Russian trawlers to fish in Moroccan waters. But already now, 2 weeks later, it is clear that the agreement is being applied also offshore the territory of Western Sahara, which is under Moroccan occupation. Such fishing is clearly in violation of international law.
As of 26 December 2012, between four and six Russian vessels are engaged in fishing in the waters off occupied Western Sahara:
One of the richest coastlines in the world
The fish stocks of occupied Western Sahara have not only attracted the interest of the Moroccan fleet: other foreign interests are also fishing in the occupied waters through arrangements with Moroccan counterparts. Along the Western Saharan coastline, a processing industry has emerged.
The CJEU Court Cases
Keeping track of the many legal proceedings relating to Western Sahara is not easy. This page offers an overview of the cases concerning the territory that have been before the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
Tūhana human rights advisors ignore human rights
A consultancy hired to assess phosphate imports from occupied Western Sahara into New Zealand concludes there is no problem.
MEPs push back on Commission over Western Sahara in EU–Morocco trade
MEPs from across the political spectrum sharply criticised the European Commission over its handling of EU-Morocco trade relations covering occupied Western Sahara, raising concerns over legality, transparency and an apparent disregard for Parliament’s role.