European Commission approves fisheries funding programme for Austria

The European Commission (EC) has adopted the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) Programme for Austria, to implement the EU common fisheries policy (CFP) and EU policy priorities outlined in the European Green Deal.

The total financial allocation for the Austrian Programme 2021-2027 is €15 million (US$15.3 million) over the next six years, of which the EU contribution accounts for €6.7 million (US$6.83 million).

The fund will support Austria in promoting sustainable inland fisheries, aquaculture and processing activities, the conservation of aquatic resources, and food security through the supply of fishery products.

The EC said the programme is built upon the context of the Austrian inland waters, and will allow Austria to build a resilient, sustainable and low-carbon inland fisheries and aquaculture sector, in line with the EU strategic guidelines for a more sustainable and competitive EU aquaculture for the period 2021 to 2030, as well as to boost the digital transition of the sector.

Five innovation projects are to be realised for the EMFAF implementation period, allowing for the transfer of knowledge, innovation and technology to the aquaculture and processing sectors.

The EC added that the planned EMFAF interventions should allow around 54 entities in the aquaculture or processing sectors to improve their resource efficiency.