The European Commission has adopted the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme for Cyprus, to implement the EU Common Fisheries Policy and EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal, Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies, according to a press release on Wednesday.
“The programme will make an important contribution to the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy in the Mediterranean 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.
The EU contribution for the Cypriot Programme Fisheries 2021-2027 accounts for 38.8 million euros, reaching 54.7 million euros together with national funding allocations.
The programme will support investments in fishing vessels to improve safety, health, hygiene, working conditions, energy efficiency and decarbonisation.
The funding will also contribute to the acceleration of the digitalisation of fisheries control, in particular as regards fisheries management and control through the development and use of control IT tools. The latter will help Cyprus comply with the landing obligation (concerning the end of wasteful practices).
Furthermore, investments in aquaculture for the diversification of farmed aquaculture species will contribute to the reduction of the environmental impact of the sector.
The programme will also support the objectives of the Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Cypriot Prioritised Action Framework through marine environment actions, such as the development of the management of marine protected areas, the monitoring of coastal habitats and species and the promotion of scientific knowledge for issues related to the Habitat and Birds Directives.
Source: Cyprus News Agency