Denmark: Operational Programme for the development of the Danish fisheries and aquaculture sector 2007-2013 (Operationelt program for udvikling af den danske fiskeri- og akvakultursektor 2007-2013) co-funded by the European Fisheries Fund

Summary

The European Commission recently approved the Operational Programme for development of the Danish fisheries and aquaculture sector for the period 2007-2013. The total eligible public expenditure of the programme is € 267,350,338, with EU assistance through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) amounting to € 133,675,169.

The programme covers the entire territory of Denmark which is designated as a whole as a non-convergence region.

The purpose and aim of the EU investment

During 2000-2006 Denmark benefited from EU support under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) of more than € 189 million. As a result, by the end of the year 2006 support had been given to over 1 400 projects for the modernisation of vessels, 245 projects for new and existing processing plants and 160 projects for new and existing port facilities. Support was also given to decommissioning vessels, aquaculture, marketing and pilot projects.

The new EFF programme for 2007-2013 will create the framework for achieving the maximum possible long-term yield from the Danish fisheries and aquaculture sector using resources in a sustainable way and integrating the perspective of regional development.

Priority axes

Priority 1: Adaptation of the EU fishing fleet

The objective of this axis is to contribute to sustainable exploitation of fishing resources, while at the same time helping the sector to develop and become more competitive. Thus, it aims at creating an efficient, up-to-date fleet which manages fishing activities and resources in a sustainable way. Support will be granted for reducing the impact of fishing on the marine environment, reducing discards and un-wanted by-catches, improving the working environment and reducing the risk of occupational accidents, and for carrying out activities that will encourage young people to seek employment in the fisheries sector.

Priority 2: Aquaculture, inland fishing, processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products.

The aquaculture sector has considerable potential for growth in Denmark and represents a central element under this axis. The programme will provide support for innovation, skills development, reduction of the impact on the natural environment and establishment of new types of partnership which can help realise the potential for sustainable growth in this sub-sector. Similar activities will be supported for the processing and marketing sector, where the general goal is to increase the value added. Improvement of the working environment and the reduction of occupational accidents are also targeted.

Priority 3: Measures of common interest

Under this axis, a pivotal element is ensuring the competitiveness and profitability of enterprises in all areas of the fisheries sector within the framework of biological sustainability and with regard to the development of fisheries areas. The main objectives are a high level of integrated service at the strategic fishing ports, as well as basic service functions in niche ports, co-operation throughout the value chain regarding market information, customer requirements and product development, support for consumer health, increasing value added within the processing, wholesale and retail sectors, and promoting a wide range of seafood products in the retail sector.

Priority 4: Sustainable development of fisheries areas

This axis aims at maintaining employment in fisheries areas, creating a framework for a diversified industry, making fisheries areas attractive both ecologically and socially for industrial and residential development, and optimising the level of training and skills throughout the fisheries and aquaculture sector. These objectives will be implemented via local development strategies set up by fisheries groups.

Priority 5: Technical assistance

This axis aims at supporting the administration, implementation, monitoring and control of the programme with a view to guaranteeing its sound and efficient management.

Responsible Authority and contact details

Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Directorate for Food, Fisheries and Agri Business
Managing Authority for Operational Programme "Operational Programme for development of the Danish fisheries and aquaculture sector 2007-2013"
Deputy Director Morten Lautrup-Larsen
Address: Nyropsgade 30, 1780 København V, Denmark
Tel. +45 33 95 81 02
Fax +45 33 95 80 80
E-mail: moll@dffe.dk
Web: http://www.dffe.dk/

Table: Operational Programme for development of the Danish fisheries and aquaculture sector 2007-2013 — Operationelt program for udvikling af den danske fiskeri- og akvakultursektor 2007-2013 ), co-funded by EFF

Intervention type: Operational Programme

Financial table

Financing plan by priority axis for the period 2007-2013 (in EUR)