Welcoming the adoption, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella stressed the programme's contribution to sustainable growth: "This investment package will help the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in Belgium to develop in a sound and sustainable manner: economically, socially and environmentally. Funds will go to projects that support Belgian fishermen and fish farmers in becoming more sustainable, innovative and competitive, and that will allow Belgian coastal communities to thrive."

In particular, the programme will fund projects promoting sustainable fisheries – for example by reducing unwanted catches – and aquaculture as well as projects that improve the competitiveness of those sectors. Half of all allocated funding will go to these types of projects.

A significant part of the EMFF budget (34%) will also be used to support the implementation of the CFP through the collection of fish stock and other marine data as well as various measures to control fishing activities.

Background

Total OP budget: EUR 68 593 257
Total EU contribution: EUR 41 746 051               

The OP for Belgium will focus on the following priorities:

• promoting environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge based fisheries: EUR 14 375 000 (34% of the EMFF allocation);
• fostering the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy: EUR 14 244 645 (34% of the EMFF allocation);
• promoting environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge based aquaculture: EUR 6 725 000 (16% of the EMFF allocation);
• fostering marketing and processing: EUR 4 101 406 (10% of the EMFF allocation);
• implementing the Integrated Maritime Policy: EUR 1 000 000 (2% of the EMFF allocation);
• technical assistance:  EUR 1 300 000 (3% of the EMFF allocation).

More information
European Maritime and Fisheries Fund – Operational Programme for Belgium