Operational Programme for Fisheries and (OPFA) 2014-2020

Summary

The financing of projects in the fisheries sector is envisaged, with an emphasis on supporting small-scale coastal fishing, in the aquaculture sector, as well as in the development of fisheries and aquaculture areas with the initiative of local communities. Measures for control of fishing activities, data collection and integrated maritime policy have also been integrated into the programme. In addition, great importance is given to the measures concerning the marine environment.

Programme Description

Regulation (EU) 508/2014 on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund constitutes the new legislative framework for co-financing in the fisheries and aquaculture sector during the new Programming Period 2014-2020 and is part of the reform package of the revised Common Fisheries of Politics. The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund consists of four (4) main pillars, which will aim at a) sustainable fishing, b) sustainable aquaculture, c) the development of fishing areas and d) issues related to maritime policy.

The Operational Program “THALASSA” 2014-2020, which will be co-financed by the EMFF 2014-2020, has a total budget of approximately €52.6 million. The percentage of the EU participation (EMFF) amounts to 75.49% of the total amount of public expenditure. The remaining 24.51% will be allocated by the Republic of Cyprus as National Participation. The program will be implemented through 6 priorities.

The six (6) Priorities of the European Union, which express the relevant thematic objectives of the Common Strategic Framework (CSF) and are included in the EMFF Regulation, are the following:

P1: Promoting environmentally sustainable, resource-efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge-based fisheries

P2: Promoting environmentally sustainable, resource-efficient, innovative, competitive and knowledge-based aquaculture

P3: Strengthening the implementation of the CFP

P4: Increasing employment and territorial cohesion

P5: Strengthening of marketing and processing

P6: Strengthening the implementation of the Integrated Maritime Policy

Funding projects in the fisheries sector, with an emphasis on supporting small-scale coastal fishermen, as well as helping communities to diversify their economies and finance projects aimed at creating jobs, improving the quality of life in coastal areas, but also in stimulating innovation. It is also of great importance to support aquaculture through productive investments, so that the sector can fully exploit its potential, but also by creating appropriate infrastructure to support aquaculture units. Measures for control of fishing activities, data collection and integrated maritime policy have also been integrated into the programme. In addition, great importance is given to the measures concerning the marine environment, while at the same time the environmental dimension has been integrated into most of the measures of the program.

Total Budget

€ 52,610,493

Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan

75%

Thematic Categories

Fisheries/ Aquaculture and Maritime Policy
Processing
Trade and Commerce

Eligibility for Participation

Central Government
Fishermen, Aquaculturists, Owners of Vessels
Local Authorities
Private Bodies
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

Programme Opening Date

29/05/2015

Programme Closing Date

01/01/1900

National Contact Point(s)

Department of Fisheries and Marine Research

Natasa Papouli

Fisheries and Marine Research Officer

Tel: 22807861

Email: npappouli@dfmr.moa.gov.cy

Fax: 22 423293

Nikoleta Varnava

Fisheries and Marine Research Officer

Tel: 22 807849

Email: nvarnava@dfmr.moa.gov.cy

Fax: 22 423293

Website

http://www.moa.gov.cy/moa/opf/opf2014.nsf/page25_gr/page25_gr?OpenDocument