EU funds support sustainable fishing

Agriculture Minister Costas Kadis on Monday revealed that the total budget for the ‘Marine, Fisheries and Aquaculture Operational Programme 2021-2027’ (EMFAF) amounts to €54.7 million, of which €38.5 million were granted by the EU.

The EMFAF runs from 2021 to 2027 and supports the EU common fisheries policy (CFP), the EU maritime policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance. The fund helps achieve sustainable fisheries and conserve marine biological resources.

Kadis called it “a sustainable and effective plan for further development of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors”.

“It will also help make use of the resources offered by the sea through an integrated maritime strategy,” Kadis said.

He added that the programme was prepared during “a difficult time, with unprecedented challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine”.

He said that through EMFAF, grant projects would be launched for actions to promote the blue economy, as well as the transition to sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

“Another important goal is the reduction of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions, the protection of marine biodiversity, and the improvement of health conditions, safety and working conditions on board fishing vessels,” Kadis said.