Poland, Estonia net over EUR 600 million in EU fisheries funding

Poland and Estonia have become the latest European Union member states to adopt new European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) programs and will receive EUR 512 million (USD 536.1 million) and EUR 97 million (USD 101.6 million) in E.U. funding over the next six years.

The total financial allocation for the Polish program from 2021 to 2017 is EUR 732 million (USD 766.5 million), while Estonia is getting EUR 129.1 million (USD 135.2 million).

The commission said 42.9 percent of Poland’s program allocation, or EUR 219.9 million (USD 230.3 million), will be dedicated to sustainable fisheries; 41.6 percent, or EUR 213.4 million (USD 223.5 million), will be invested in sustainable aquaculture; 9.1 percent, or EUR 46.9 million (USD 49.1 million), will go to projects aimed at developing a sustainable blue economy; and 6 percent, or EUR 30.7 million (USD 32.1 million), will be allocated to technical assistance.

The commission advises the program will invest in human capital and generational renewal, and the innovation and diversification of fishing activities, including reducing the overcapacity of the Baltic fleet.

E.U. Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevičius said the program would support the structural adaptation of the fishing sector in Poland, thereby creating the conditions for sustainable development and the diversification of activities.

“The focus on energy efficiency and a sustainable use of natural resources as well as training will open new perspectives for the young generation to enter the sector. Given the serious environmental concerns in the Baltic Sea, I welcome also the significant support for the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and inland waters,” he said.

In Estonia, 34 percent, or EUR 33.1 million (USD 34.7 million), of the program’s allocation will be dedicated to sustainable fisheries; 38 percent, or EUR 37.2 million (USD 39 million), will be invested in sustainable aquaculture; 22 percent, or EUR 21.6 million (USD 22.6 million), will be dedicated to sustainable blue economy; and 6 percent, or EUR 5.5 million (USD 5.8 million), will support technical assistance.

Sinkevičius said Estonia’s program will focus on enhancing the resilience of the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors by stimulating research, innovation, knowledge transfer, reducing the operating costs through investments in energy efficiency. It will also continue to provide support to coastal and island communities for their future sustainable development.

Photo courtesy of DarSzach/Shutterstock