Spain estimates 30 mln euro losses from fishing pact

Spain estimated losses worth at least 30 million euros due to the suspension of a fishing agreement between the EU and Morocco. The European Parliament in Strasbourg had blocked the extension of an agreement with Morocco on fishing rights, signed in 2008. Morocco reacted angrily to the Parliament's decision and yesterday banned all EU vessels from fishing in its territorial waters. The estimated losses are according to initial numbers, reports from local Spanish television quoted Agriculture Minister, Rosa Aguilar as saying. The Spanish minister called on the European Commission to compensate the burden of losses, inflicted on over 70 Spanish vessels that had been operating in Moroccan waters and had put an end to over 500 jobs. She also confirmed the return home of all of Spanish vessels previously employed in Moroccan waters.