Portugal: operationeel programma voor visserijsector 2007 - 2013 (en)

Summary

The European Commission recently approved the Operational Programme for the Portuguese Fisheries Industry for the period 2007-2013. The total eligible public expenditure of the programme is € 324.9 million, with EU assistance through the EFF amounting to € 246.5 million. € 223.9 million of the EFF assistance will be allocated to the convergence regions of Portugal (Norte, Centro, Alentejo, Algarve and the Azores) and € 22.5 millions to the non-convergence regions (Lisbon & Madeira).

The purpose and aim of the EU investment

During 2000-2006 Portugal benefited from EU support under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) of over € 239 million. As a result over than 4,200 projects were supported, more than 1,500 jobs were created or maintained and 170 companies were maintained by the end of the year 2006.

The new EU programme for 2007-13 aims to build on the success of the previous programme and consolidate the preconditions for a viable fisheries and aquaculture sector that respects nature and meets the demands of consumers and the food industry.

Priority axes

Priority 1: Adaptation of the EU fishing fleet

This priority axis aims at promoting profitable and sustainable fisheries in maritime areas. Measures are particularly aimed at permanent cessation of activity of fishing vessels, improvements of safety on board, working conditions, product quality, energy efficiency, the selectivity of fishing gear and facilitating the entry of young fishers into the sector.

Priority 2: Aquaculture, inland fishing, processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products.

The objective of this axis is to promote competitive and profitable business activities in aquaculture, fish processing and fish wholesale trade. Measures are particularly aimed at improving quality and hygiene and at developing and introducing innovative and environmentally friendly methods.

Priority 3: Measures of common interest

This axis supports measures of common interest with a broader scope than measures normally undertaken by private enterprises and which help to meet the objectives of the Common Fisheries Policy. This axis also provides support to collective actions, protection and development of aquatic fauna and flora, fishing ports, landing ports and shelters, development of new markets and promotional campaigns, and the dissemination of good practice.

Priority 4: Sustainable development of fisheries areas

Based on a bottom-up local development approach, and the implementation of a strategy based on local actors, this axis aims at facilitating regional business activities, particularly by developing co-operation and reinforcing cluster thinking in the fisheries sector at the initiative of local fisheries groups. Regional development and co-operation projects and actions associated with diversification of activities, such as fishing tourism, in particular, will be financed under this priority axis.

Priority 5: Technical assistance

Support is provided under this axis to ensure that the management, control and monitoring systems of the operational programme function efficiently and that the programme and aid are implemented in an appropriate manner.

Responsible Authority and contact details

Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, Directorate-General for Fisheries and Aquaculture

Managing Authority for Operational Programme Operational Programme for the Portuguese Fisheries Industry

Director: Eurico MONTEIRO

Address: Direcçao-Geral das Pescas e Aquicultura

Edifício DGPA

Avenida Brasília

P 1449-030 LISBOA

Tel. +351-21-3035700

Fax +351-21-3035965

E-mail: dgpa@dgpa.min-agricultura.pt

Web: http://www.dg-pescas.pt/

Operational Programme for the Portuguese Fisheries Industry for the period 2007-2013 - Programa Operacional Pesca 2007-2013, co-funded by EFF

Financial table

Financing plan by priority axis for the period 2007-2013 (in EUR)