EU adopts 978m EUR investment package for the Italian maritime, fisheries and aquaculture sectors
date: 27/11/2015
Welcoming the adoption, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella stressed the programme's contribution to sustainable growth: "Investment under this programme will go to Italian fisheries, aquaculture and maritime projects that are both environmentally sustainable and economically sound. I am convinced that the package adopted today will allow Italian fishermen and fish farmers to face the future with confidence and allow Italian fishing and coastal communities to thrive."
The adopted operational programme (OP) will support the rolling out of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy and Integrated Maritime Policy in Italy. It will promote environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, and competitive and knowledge based fisheries and aquaculture. It will also support projects that promote blue growth and maritime skills and knowledge.
In particular, the funding will help limit the impact of fishing activities on the marine environment and enhance its biodiversity, and ensure the balance between fishing capacity and available fishing opportunities. The programme also aims to promote economically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture and processing sectors. Finally, funds will flow to projects that improve the livelihood of fishing communities by supporting Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) throughout Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs).
Background
Total OP budget: € 978.1 million
Total EU contribution: € 537.3 million
The Italian Fisheries Operational Programme mainly focuses on:
- Promoting environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge based fisheries: € 346.1 million;
- Promoting environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge based aquaculture: € 221.1 million;
- Fostering the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy: € 120.3 million;
- Increasing employment and territorial cohesion: € 84.9 million;
- Fostering marketing and processing: € 138.1 million;
- Implementing the Integrated Maritime Policy: € 8.9 million;
- Technical assistance: € 58.7 million.
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