After exploiting Mauritania's waters for over a decade, the eu has renegotiated on a fishing deal with the West African nation nearly halving its catches. The move will hit Mauritania's national coffers. Fisheries is Mauritania's key sector of revenue. The eu pays 86 million (us $125.8) million a year -- almost a third of Mauritania's national revenue -- for allowing 200 boats from 13 eu nations to fish in its waters. Under the new deal, which will be in force for four years starting in August 2008, the eu will pay Mauritania 75.25 million (us $117.3 million) a year.The European Commission says the deal will help Mauritania in sustainably developing its fisheries sector.