A €29 million investment will help implement a common fisheries policy to make fishing more profitable, support small-scale fisheries, develop sustainable aquaculture and better inform customers, allowing them to support sustainability. Among the number of initiatives to be implemented, fishermen will be compensated for periods when they cannot go fishing because of the weather.
This morning, Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech presided over the launch of the operational programme for Malta for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). This seeks to ensure that the fisherman attains enough income for adequate quality of life, to assist fishermen to shift to more sustainable fisheries.
A number of initiatives have been identified, such as launching a promotional campaigns aimed at the local consumer aimed at increasing per capita fish consumption and enticing the consumption of currently under-utilized fish species.
Noting that the Maltese economy has grown up to four times more than the European average and that fixed investment has increased by 20% in the past two years, he said that this fund can serve as a crucial tool to maintain such positive economic results while enabling transition to sustainable fishing.
The fund will support all stakeholders, finance projects that create job opportunities and make available funding more accessible.
Mr Grech said that a reform of the national fishing policy is crucial to balance out demand for fish and pressure for sustainability.
For the upcoming seven years, €15 million will be allocated for the promotion of sustainable fishing, and €10 million will be used for the promotion of the implementation of the common policy for fishing.
Parliamentary Secretary Ian Borg said that interventions will include promotion for competitiveness and sharing knowledge for preventing accidents at sea and supporting research. He said that the government aims at simplifying procedures for submitting applications and increasing consultation with all stakeholders.
A representative of the European Commission, Frangiscos Nikolian said that Malta was among the first member states that had its operational programme approved, lauding the government for a 'job well done.' He noted that in the past Malta has fully used the funds allocated for this sector.
A discussion for stakeholders is planned for 24 April and following that, calls for applications will be made available on www.eufunds.gov.mt