Europese Commissie keurt operationeel programma 2007-2013 van het Europees Visserijfonds in Malta goed (en)

Summary

The European Commission has approved the Operational Programme for the Maltese Fisheries Industry for the period 2007-2013. The total eligible public expenditure of the programme amounts to € 11 163 105, with EU assistance from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) amounting to € 8 372 329.

The programme covers the whole territory of Malta, which falls in its entirety under the Convergence objective.

The purpose and aim of the EU investment

During 2004-2006, Malta benefited from EU support under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) to the amount of € 2 837 500. The projects co-funded under the FIFG concerned the adjustment and modernisation of the fishing fleet, the development of aquaculture, processing and marketing, as well as the improvement of fishing port facilities. Examples of successful projects include the establishment of a maintenance and repair facility for fishing vessels and the installation of cold store equipment to improve the quality, and thus increase the value, of fisheries products.

The new EU programme for 2007-2013 aims to build on the achievements of the previous programme and to guarantee necessary continuity of support, to ensure sustainable and competitive fisheries and aquaculture, in balance with available resources and respecting the environment. It also aims to offer adequate working conditions for operators in the sector and to consolidate conditions for a thriving aquaculture and processing industry that meets the demands of consumers and the food industry.

Priority axes

Priority 1: Adaptation of the EU fishing fleet

Under this axis, which aims to adjust fishing effort and to modernise the fishing fleet, as well as to increase the level of training among fishers, the Operational Programme includes measures to adapt fishing effort to the available resources, in particular as regards migratory fish stocks such as blue fin tuna and swordfish. Aid for the modernisation of the fleet will aim to enhance safety and improve working conditions on board fishing vessels, as well as to reduce emissions and increase selectivity of fishing gear. Measures will also be provided to upgrade skills of active fishers and to support the transfer of skills to occupations outside the fisheries sector.

Priority 2: Aquaculture, processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products

This axis aims to contribute to the development and sustainability of the aquaculture, processing and marketing sectors. Productive investments in aquaculture will include the modernisation of existing aquaculture facilities and the development of new ones, targeted to rearing new species, as well as the creation of a land-based hatchery. Environmentally friendly aquaculture methods will be particularly encouraged and, given the limited coastline available, so will be methods to achieve a better coastal landscape management.

Priority 3: Measures of common interest

This axis aims to support measures of common interest with a broader scope than measures normally undertaken by private enterprises and which help meet the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy. Under this axis, the relocation of the existing fish market and the development of a new one are foreseen, as well as the upgrading of fisheries infrastructure (landing, storage and inspection facilities) at seven port locations. The development of promotional campaigns to enhance the marketing of underutilised species and new products will aim to contribute to diversifying consumer demand and easing the pressure on overexploited stocks.

Priority 4: Sustainable development of fisheries areas

Not applicable

Priority 5: Technical assistance

This axis aims to support the efficient implementation of the operational programme by building up and reinforcing administrative capacity.

Table: Operational Programme for the Maltese Fisheries Industry for the period 2007-2013, co-funded by EFF

Intervention type: Operational Programme

Financial table

Financing plan by priority axis for the period 2007-2013 (in EUR)