European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF)

EMFF in the UK

The Operational Programme (OP) “Fisheries and Maritime 2014-2020” for support from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) in the UK aims at achieving key national development priorities along with the “Europe 2020” objectives. The OP addresses the general reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and the development of the Integrated Maritime Policy (IMP).

The UK objectives are defined under 4 main policy goals:

  1. Adapting the fisheries sector to the requirements of the reformed CFP – focused on the transition of the fleet to sustainably managed and discard-free fisheries, innovation
  2. Fostering growth potential across the fisheries, aquaculture and processing supply chains – through support for innovation, onshore and offshore investments in infrastructure
  3. Supporting the increased economic, environmental and social sustainability of the sector – through efficient use of natural resources, support policies that will attract and maintain people in coastal areas, improve local governance etc
  4. Fulfilling the UK’s enforcement and data collection obligations – by developing IT tools and technologies to support control and enforcement, improving the traceability of fisheries products, adapting data collection to respond to the new requirements of the reformed CFP

FLAG – Fisheries Local Action Group

Fisheries areas across the EU are facing significant challenges. The continuous decline in income and employment in the fishing sector has underlined the need for innovative responses that are both sustainable and inclusive.

Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) is a tool that enables local fisheries communities to address these challenges at a grass-roots level using the knowledge of local stakeholders to tackle local issues.

The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) funds Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) to deliver fisheries focused CLLD in Wales. This will be done through a Local Development Strategy (LDS) designed by each of the FLAGs. Key focuses of FLAGs under EMFF will be supporting fishing communities to adapt to the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) and supporting sustainable economic growth

Useful Links

FLAGs guidance

Welsh National Marine Plan FAQs