European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund

www.EUFunds.ie

The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027 is a successor to the European Maritime, Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020 and support the EU common fisheries policy (CFP), the EU maritime policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance. It provides support for developing innovative projects ensuring that aquatic and maritime resources are used sustainably.

The Marine Programmes Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Seafood Development Programme 2021 -2027. Ireland is to receive €142 million of EU funds from the new EMFAF which will be combined with co-funding from the Government of Ireland.

These funds will be allocated for the management of fisheries, aquaculture and fishing fleets, and also cover measures such as scientific advice, controls and checks, market intelligence, maritime surveillance and security.

The EMFAF will particularly support small-scale coastal fisheries and vessels up to 24 meters as well as promote aquaculture. For the first time, the fund also includes provisions on strengthening international ocean governance,  and includes provisions to help respond to exceptional crises that cause market disruptions e.g. temporary storage measures or compensation for additional costs.

The EMFAF will fund BIM internal work programmes and projects across schemes.