ATLANTIC DAWN - the world's largest factory trawler - has lost access to Mauretanian waters since a coup in the West African country.

The 145.6 x 24 x 11.4 metre Atlantic Dawn had been fishing off Mauretania under a private agreement, which gave the ship certain advantages over other EU ships fishing under the EU agreement.

However, arrangements have changed since the coup, reports the Dutch fishing weekly Visserijnieuws Other trawlers, such as from Russia and Spain, seemed to have had privileges. However, when president Taya lost his power in the coup, the new government brought in changes.

EU fishing off Mauritania is now in doubt as negotiations stopped when the Mauritanians sought more money for reduced fishing rights.

The EU was paying €84 million and owners added about another €16 million to gain access rights. Now, Mauritania is taking a much harder line.

Mauritania has also demanded a reduction in European shrimp and octopus fishing, also that catches should be landed in national ports instead of at Las Palmas, in the Canary Islands.

Mauritanian fishermen are reported to be pleased that their small-scale fishery will now be given more protection.

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