Spanish fishermen land their anchovy capture. (Photo: MARM)

European Parliament approves EUR 6.5 billion aid for fisheries sector

EUROPEAN UNION
Monday, April 21, 2014, 22:50 (GMT + 9)

MEPs adopted the operating rules of the new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), which has a budget of EUR 6.5 billion until 2020 to help fishermen to meet the objectives of the common fisheries policy, including the discard ban, financing the transition to more selective fishing gear. The EU countries with significant coastal and artisanal fleet, as is the case of Spain, will have to establish an action plan to strengthen its competitiveness.

The main objectives of EMFF, which was approved by 473 votes to 52, with 40 abstentions, are: to help fishermen in the transition to more sustainable fisheries, assist the coastal communities in the diversification of their economies, finance projects for the creation of jobs and the improvement of the quality of life in European coasts and facilitate the access to financing. The new fund will be used to co-finance projects in the Member States.

MEPs have obtained more resources for the collection and management of fisheries data needed to set catch limits. In addition, fishermen who are under 40 years of age may receive up to EUR 75,000 to start their own business related to fishing. On the other hand, the subsidies for fleet renewal have been abolished although the change fund to cleaner engines on ships will be financed.

The EMFF will also support measures intended to improve fishermen’s working conditions and port facilities.

The European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, welcomed the decision of the Parliament: "Our reformed fisheries policy is putting European fisheries on a sustainable footing once and for all. To get there will mean radical changes for our fishermen and the whole sector, which needs our financial support. We will co-fund concrete projects in the Member States to help fishermen and coastal communities develop a sustainable seafood industry - from the net to the plate."

After the vote in the European Parliament, the Fund will now go to Fisheries Ministers in the Council for final adoption, which will allow the EMFF to come into force in June this year.

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