European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
The EMFF funds actions that support the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/cfp/ and Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP) https://www.ouroceanwealth.ie/ through the implementation of an Operational Programme (OP) in the period 2014-2020.
In Ireland there is approximately €239.2 million available for the following objectives.
• Helps fishermen in the transition to sustainable fishing
• Supports coastal communities in diversifying their economies
• Finances projects that create new jobs and improve quality of life along European coasts
• Supports sustainable aquaculture developments
• Makes it easier for applicants to access financing.
The Irish OP is organised around the following priorities:
Union Priority 1 (UP1) Sustainable Development of Fisheries:
€ 67 million (28% of the total EMFF allocation) aim at assuring the sustainable development of fishing activities, while protecting the marine environment. The OP will help Ireland to adjust fleet capacity to available resources and support the Irish fishing fleet in tackling the obligation to land all catches, also through investments in port infrastructures.
Union Priority 2 (UP2) Sustainable Development of Aquaculture:
€ 29.8 million (12.5% of the EMFF allocation) will support the Irish National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture that aims at boosting the competitiveness of the aquaculture sector. Support will go towards three main areas: sustainable aquaculture production; knowledge, innovation and new technology; and more effective governance of marine planning.
Union Priority 3 (UP3) Implementing the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP:
€ 84.9 million (35.5% of the EMFF allocation) will go towards compliance with CFP rules regarding control and data collection. Funding will be used to further develop risk-based inspection of fishing activities and enhance cooperation with other Member States to ensure effective fisheries control and inspection in Ireland and at EU level. EMFF funding will also ensure a more efficient data collection and management, by improving scientific assessment of stocks and the knowledge on the state of the marine environment at sea.
Union Priority 4 (UP4) Sustainable Development of Fisheries & Aquaculture Areas:
€12 million (5% of the EMFF allocation) will support local development initiatives – a substantial, eleven-fold increase compared to the 2007- 2013 funding period. EMFF funds will create and maintain jobs in fisheries and aquaculture areas and strengthen the role of the small-scale fisheries sector in the development of local communities.
Union Priority 5 (UP5) Marketing & Processing:
€33.3million (13.9% of the EMFF allocation) will go towards creating scale in the Irish marketing and processing sectors, starting from the base of very small-scale businesses. Funds will also go to developing new products from underutilised/non-commercial species.
Union Priority 6 (UP6) Supporting the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP):
€10.6 million (4.4% of the EMFF allocation) will be used on measures to improve the knowledge on the state of the marine environment and the level of protection of marine areas, through collection and harmonisation of marine data and development of marine spatial planning capacities.
€1.6 million (0.7% of the EMFF allocation) is allocated to technical assistance in order to reinforce implementation and ensure efficient administration of the EU funding.
Total OP Budget | €239,265,133 |
Total EU Contribution | €147,601,979 |
Total Exchequer Contribution | €91,663,154 |
For further information on the EMFF OP in Ireland
Programme Document
DownloadModified Programme Document
DownloadState agencies are granted EMFF funding to implement projects on behalf of the Irish Seafood Industry. In addition, Bord Iascaigh Mhara has been designated as an intermediary body for the administration of EMFF grants for individuals, groups and businesses.
Please visit their website to view the list of schemes supported and to find out if you can benefit.
The EMFF Data Collection Scheme funds the data collection required for the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy.
The Marine Institute has been tasked with the responsibility to conduct and co-ordinate the data collection, data management and production of scientific advice required to meet Ireland’s Data Collection obligations.
Please visit their website for more information.
The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority implement the control and enforcement activities in Ireland, ensuring compliance with the rules for sustainable fishing practices by all vessels operating in waters within the remit of the Irish Control Authorities.
Please visit their website for more information.
The Marine Institute is responsible for improving the knowledge on the state of the marine environment and the level of protection of marine areas, through collection and harmonisation of marine data and development of marine spatial planning capacities. This will allow Ireland to improve the level of protection of marine resources and to create conditions for the sustainable exploitation of natural resources.
Please visit their website for more information.
Bord Bia is tasked with the promotion of Irish Seafood Products in both the domestic and International market place on behalf of the industry. Their aim is to secure higher added value business in core markets, increase Irish seafood exports in the emerging growth markets and to develop a vibrant market in Ireland for a range of underutilised fish species
Please visit their website for more information.
Implementation Plans
Annual Implementation Reports
National Eligibility Rules for Expenditure Co- Financed by EMFF
National Eligibility Rules for Expenditure Co- Financed by EMFF
DownloadEvaluation Report EMFF Programme
EMFF 2014-20 Evaluation
DownloadAn updated list of beneficiaries in receipt of EMFF funding is published bi-annually.
Operation Beneficiary List November 2020
DownloadOperation Beneficiary List November 2020
DownloadRules and Procedures
DownloadMembership of EMFF OP 2014-2020 Monitoring Committee
DownloadMeetings
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