In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Commission has taken action to protect the fisheries and aquaculture sectors from severe shocks by introducing specific measures including amendments to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
Subsequently Bulgaria has modified its operational programme and has reallocated €6.6 million of public support to compensate companies for financial loss caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
The fisheries sector will receive €763,835 to compensate for economic losses. More than 100 fishermen and women will benefit from this support and the number is expected to increase further. The maximum grant amounts to €40,876 per fishing vessel including compensation for the crew.
Aquaculture farmers who are economically affected will receive €4,027,769 while the processing sector will get €1,835,167. Support is available for the purchase of goods, raw materials, and supplies related to the company's activities, along with storage and personnel costs. The maximum grant amount for a single project is €40,876.
The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic has put the EU’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors under substantial pressure. Many fishermen and women, producers and processors have been forced to suspend or severely reduce their activities while the closure of markets and distribution channels has seen a substantial drop in prices and volumes.
