Ireland secures fisheries, aquaculture investment package

The European Commission (EC) has adopted a key investment package for the Irish maritime, fisheries and aquaculture sectors. More than EUR 239 million (USD 261 million) will be made available under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for the period 2014-2020, including an EU contribution of EUR 147 million (USD 160.5 million).

“I welcome the adoption of the Irish EMFF program to support fisheries, aquaculture and maritime projects that are environmentally sustainable, socially responsible and economically viable. These smart investments will benefit fishermen, fish farmers and processors, as well as Irish coastal communities. They will maintain and create jobs in the maritime economy while preserving the unique environment in the Irish seas," said Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

The program will support the implementation of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and Integrated Maritime Policy in Ireland.

The EC said funding will be aimed at making the Irish fisheries and aquaculture sectors more competitive and sustainable, by fostering innovation, skills and a more efficient and sustainable use of resources. Funding will also help Irish fishermen to adapt to the EU's newly introduced landing obligations and to better organize themselves to add value to their catches.

Aquaculture funding will support innovation, productive investments and a reduction of the administrative burden.

Furthermore, funds will also go to developing new IT tools and technologies to support Irish control and enforcement, as well as to improve the collection, management and use of data to establish a sustainable fisheries sector.

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