European Fisheries Fund(EFF)

This Regulation establishes a new European Fisheries Fund (EFF) for the period 2007-13. It sets the Fund's objectives and priorities plus the responsibilities under it and the financial framework. It also sets out the arrangements for programming, managing monitoring and following up the EFF. The new Fund provides financial assistance to help implement the latest reform of the common fisheries policy (CFP) and to support the restructuring that has become necessary as the sector has developed.

Operational Programme

The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) is intended to help secure a sustainable and profitable fisheries industry. It will grant financial support during the period 2007 to 2013, with a view to help the industry adapt to changing circumstances.

Council Regulation (EC) No 1198/2006 (the "EFF Regulation") requires Member States to draw up Operational Programme and this has to be approved by the Commission.

The UK Operational Programme for the EFF contains a detailed analysis of the fisheries industry, the strategy and objectives, the summary of the ex ante evaluation, details on each priority axis, the finance available, and the implementing provisions.

Types of Project

The types of project eligible for grant include:

• Modernising fishing vessels - e.g. to reduce discards, improve gear selectivity and minimise environmental impact. Not to increase catching capacity.
• Improving product quality.
• Investment in aquaculture and diversification of farmed species.
• Marketing fisheries products.
• Improvements to processing and port facilities.
• Pilot and collective actions by industry.
• The development of sustainable fisheries.
• Development support towards fisheries-dependent communities.

Financial Plan

The EFF has a budget of 3 849 million for the period 2007-13. Over that period the Commission proposes to allocate 538 - 556 million per year to all the 25 Member States. The amounts will be divided between the Member States according to the size of their fisheries sector, the number of people working in the sector, the adjustments considered necessary for the fishing industry and continuity of the measures in hand.

Responsibilities

The Regulation defines the responsibilities of the Member States and of the Commission concerning the EFF. In particular, Member States are tasked with informing the general public, potential beneficiaries and stakeholders of the opportunities available under the EFF to ensure that the Fund is used in a transparent manner and to underline the role of the European Union.