Welcome to the presentation of the new Operational Programme for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture 2021-2027 and thank you for your presence here.
The Programme, formally submitted to the European Commission following its approval by the Council of Ministers on 30 March 2022, was prepared through public consultation with all socio-economic partners in a difficult period of time, with unprecedented challenges and difficulties due to the pandemic. These challenges were compounded by the crisis caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. These recent developments and how to deal with them have been incorporated into the Ministry's development programme, but without altering the long-term objective of addressing the structural problems of our fisheries sector. We are therefore moving forward with a vision of developing a blue and resource-efficient economy, establishing a more competitive and sustainable fishery that will help stimulate our economy and maintain a healthy marine environment. The implementation of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy, which is now aligned with the objectives of the Green Deal, the Farm to Plate Strategy, and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, is at the heart of the Programme.
The budget of the new Programme amounts to approximately €55 million, with an EU contribution of €38.5 million. Through the various calls that will be launched, support will be sought for projects that contribute to the sustainable exploitation and management of water and marine resources. Thus, the projects included in the Programme aim to:
- improving health, safety and working conditions on board fishing vessels,
- improving the socio-economic attractiveness of the fishing profession, with emphasis on small-scale coastal fishing and the ageing of the fishing sector,
- the sustainable development of aquaculture,
- reducing emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases in the wider fisheries sector,
- protecting marine biodiversity and ecosystems,
- providing consumers with high quality and healthy seafood products,
- supporting coastal communities and promoting the blue economy in general.
The above objectives will be met through grant schemes for fishermen and aquaculturists, such as projects to improve fishing vessels, compensation for damage caused by dolphins, combating invasive species such as rabbitheads, improving selectivity and the use of acoustic devices to reduce the interaction of marine mammals with fishing gear, productive investments in aquaculture and dealing with crises and unforeseen market-disrupting events. Already, with regard to the latter, and although the Programme has not yet been adopted by the European Commission, a grant scheme for the temporary cessation of fishing activities due to the health crisis has been activated, and support for the fisheries sector is also being considered due to the increase in production costs as a consequence of the war in Ukraine.
In addition, as I have mentioned, the Programme focuses on the protection and restoration of the marine environment, and in this area funding is foreseen for the collection of data on the protection and restoration of the marine environment. The modernisation of fishing shelters and the implementation of management plans for NATURA 2000 marine areas and artificial reef areas will also continue, while further strengthening and staffing of the fisheries control and surveillance sector in protected areas will be pursued. The Programme also seeks to support specific fisheries areas through the implementation of local development strategies.
Finally, as part of our efforts towards digital transformation, we have included in the Programme an important tool for the management of the marine environment, the creation of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research's unified integrated IT system. The system will modernize the way the Department operates, both to implement legislation and to serve the fishing sector and citizens in general.
Through the implementation of the Programme, more than 700 entities/businesses - mostly micro enterprises - are expected to benefit, about 1000 jobs will be preserved, while another 35 new businesses and 100 new jobs will be created.
Through the implementation of the Programme, more than 700 entities/businesses - mostly micro enterprises - are expected to benefit, about 1000 jobs will be preserved, while another 35 new businesses and 100 new jobs will be created. In the presentation that will follow, you will have the opportunity to see in more detail the objectives and content of the Programme.
In closing, I would like to thank and congratulate the management and staff of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and all those who have contributed in any way to the preparation of the Programme.
In conclusion, I would like to thank and congratulate the management and staff of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research and all those who have contributed in any way to the preparation of the Programme. I also thank the representatives of the media for their presence here and for disseminating important information about our efforts to support the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and to protect the marine environment.
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