Malta will receive €21.8 million from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), the European Commission said in a statement.

Following the adoption of the Partnership Agreement 2021-2027 with Malta, the European Commission has adopted the EMFAF programme for Malta, to implement the EU common fisheries policy (CFP) and EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal.

The total financial allocation for the Maltese programme 2021-2027 is €31.2 million over the next six years, of which the EU contribution accounts for €21.8 million.

EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: "I am pleased to announce the adoption of the EMFAF programme for Malta that  reflects its commitment to invest in fisheries' resilience and sustainability. The programme will enable key interventions for effective and inclusive management of marine protected areas and tackle the issue of marine litter. The programme will also support actions to improve the sustainability and diversification of the aquaculture sector."

 The programme will allocate 79.4% to support sustainable fisheries and protection and restoration of marine environments and invest 14.6% in sustainable aquaculture and marketing, the Commission said.

The programme will support, among others actions, sustainable fisheries, which will include investments in key ports to implement the landing obligation and improve health and safety; improved selectivity, efficiency and decarbonisation of fisheries; capacity building and advisory services; fisheries control, data collection and enhanced research.

It will also support the protection and restoration of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, which will include investments in Marine Protected Areas to ensure their management and restoration; and support for marine litter collection. The programme will also support investments to support sustainable aquaculture development and research and innovations for the diversification of farmed aquaculture species.

The Maltese EMFAF programme will contribute to the EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies, the Commission said.