Cyprus has been given €38.3 million in EU funding to help promote the sustainable growth of the country’s aquaculture and fishing sectors.
The European Commission has adopted the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme for the country and will implement the EU common fisheries policy and priorities outlined in the European Green Deal. The total financial allocation for the Cyprus Programme 2021-2027 is €54.7 million over the next seven years, with the EU contributing £38.3 million.
“The programme will make an important contribution to the implementation of the common fisheries policy and to the protection of the marine environment, while supporting the industry’s resilience and profitability,” said Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius.
“Through this programme, Cyprus can build a resilient and sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and processing sector that can help us decarbonise our economy.”
Key expected outcomes for 2021-2027
The programme aims to support sustainable investment in fishing vessels and innovations that support gear selectivity, improved infrastructure, marketing of unwanted catch and improved knowledge of the marine environment.
Investments in aquaculture will reduce its environmental impact and contribute to the circular economy and diversification of the sector.
The programme will also promote digitalisation, in particular of fisheries management as well as supporting the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 objectives.
Fifty nine per cent of the programme’s allocation will be invested in sustainable fisheries, 11% in sustainable aquaculture, processing and marketing, 12% in the sustainable blue economy in coastal, island and internal regions and 10% in strengthening international ocean governance.
