Denmark and Latvia have become the latest E.U. member states to adopt new European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) programs and will receive EUR 201 million (USD 210.7 million) and EUR 135 million (USD 141.5 million) respectively in funding over the next six years.
The total financial allocation for the Danish program from 2021 through 2027 is EUR 287 million (USD 300.8 million), while Latvia’s is EUR 192.7 million (USD 202 million).
The commission said Denmark has chosen to dedicate 86 percent of its program allocation, or EUR 246.3 million (USD 258.1 million), to sustainable fisheries; 8 percent, or EUR 23.6 million (USD 24.7 million), will be invested in sustainable aquaculture; and 6 percent, or EUR 17.2 million (USD 18 million), will be allocated to technical assistance.
It further advises the program will aim to enhance the resilience of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors – especially coastal fisheries – through a focus on innovation, investments, and promotion measures. It also provides for the possibility to use crisis support for businesses in case of a severe market disruption.
The digital transition of Danish fisheries and aquaculture is also a key area of the program. It includes the digitalization of processes and interaction within the areas of control and enforcement, as well as fisheries data collection.
In Latvia, 35 percent, or EUR 47.1 million (USD 49.4 million), of the program’s allocation will be dedicated to sustainable fisheries; 37 percent, or EUR 50.3 million (USD 52.7 million), will be invested in sustainable aquaculture; 22 percent, or EUR 29.8 million (USD 31.2 million) will be dedicated to sustainable blue economy; and 6 percent, or EUR 7.6 million (USD 8 million), will support technical assistance.
Support will be provided to more selective fishing gear, lower environmental impact aquaculture, and implementing circular economy principles.
As well as making the country’s fisheries, aquaculture, and processing sectors more robust, the program includes a support mechanism to provide protection in case of future crises. It will also invest in new technologies and innovations that accelerate energy efficiency, decarbonization, climate change mitigation and adaptation.
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