Government Reinforces Support For Fishing Sector With EU Funds And Sustainability Scheme
A scheme aimed at helping fishermen “Modernisation of Fishing Vessel Engines,” has been launched by the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi and by the Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights, Alicia Bugeja Said.
“By supporting fishermen to replace their old engines with more modern and efficient equipment, we are not only improving their working conditions, but we are also protecting our sea and strengthening the future of Malta’s maritime economy,” said Bugeja Said.
Through this scheme, fishermen can benefit from financial assistance to replace or modernise the engines of their fishing vessels. The scheme is co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFA) and is being carried out in collaboration with European Services in Malta (SEM).
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Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi reiterated the Government’s commitment to continue supporting the fishing sector with effective measures and European funds where truly needed.
Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed the importance of the FEMSA Programme in strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of the fishing sector. The Minister also thanked all the entities involved in the implementation of this scheme, in particular SEM for their continued support to fishermen and all those who apply for the various European Funds programmes.
Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said said that this scheme is a clear example of how the Government is working towards the Malta 2050 Vision, a vision that places sustainability, innovation and environmental protection at the centre of the country’s economic development.
CEO of SEM, Rodrick Zerafa spoke about the criteria that registered fishermen must meet to benefit from the scheme for replacing or upgrading their vessels’ engines.
The criteria include registration in the EU Fleet Register for at least five years, engine power and the amount of emission reduction, the type of fishing carried out by the vessel and registered fishing days.
“In the coming weeks, we will be assisting fishermen to apply and coordinating information sessions so that fishermen will be better informed about the criteria of this call. We will be reaching out to fishermen, to make it easier for them to attend and ask any questions they may have,” stated Mr. Zerafa.
As has been done in other schemes, SEM will be organising information sessions for fishermen to apply for this European funding scheme and also offer assistance in the implementation phase of the project.
The information sessions will be held in Gozo on 21st July, in Marsaxlokk on 22nd July and in St. Paul’s Bay on 23rd July. Details of these meetings and how to register can be found here.
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