The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) is the fund for the EU’s maritime and fisheries policies for 2021-2027 with a budget of €6.108 billion. EMFAF helps achieve sustainable fisheries, conserve marine biological resources, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14, and it fulfils the objectives of the European Green Deal.
The EMFAF is designed to:
► help fishers transitioning to sustainable fishing;
► support coastal communities in diversifying their economies;
► finance projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts;
► enhance sustainable aquaculture developments;
► reinforce the implementation of the maritime policy;
► stimulate the growth of a sustainable blue economy.
The new EMFAF particularly supports small-scale coastal fisheries, young fishers and outermost regions, as well as the promotion of sustainable aquaculture.
Sustainable Blue Economy – The ocean is the world’s main climate regulator
The EU’s Sustainable Blue Economy (SBE) approach for the industries and sectors related to oceans, seas and coasts is essential to achieving the objectives of the EU’s Green Deal and the Recovery Plan.
SBE is fundamental to meet the EU’s environmental and climate objectives. Tackling the climate and biodiversity crises requires healthy seas and a sustainable use of their resources to create alternatives to fossil fuels and traditional food production.
To this, investments in research and innovative technologies are required concerning i.e. decarbonizing maritime transport, offshore renewable energy, algae production, development of innovative fishing gear or restoration of marine ecosystems. These measures will create new green jobs and businesses and they will help preserve biodiversity and landscapes, while benefitting tourism and the coastal economy.
Further reading:
The EU Blue Economy report 2021
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