During 2000-2006, The Netherlands benefited from EU support under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) of nearly € 40 million. The major part of these funds was used for the adjustment of fishing capacity.
The new EFF programme for 2007-2013 will contribute to the sustainable development of the Dutch fishing industry by pursing the following specific objectives:
Stimulation of innovation and cooperation in the fisheries cluster;
Bringing fishing capacity further in line with fishing possibilities; and
Reinforcing the socio-economic and socio-cultural position of fishing communities.
Priority 1: Adaptation of the EU fishing fleet
This priority is primarily focused on the Dutch flatfish fleet. Following the recent adoption of a multi-annual plan for plaice and sole fisheries in the North Sea (Council Regulation (EC) No 676/2007 of 11 June 2007), the capacity of this fleet segment is too large for the available fishing possibilities. A decommissioning round in 2007 and 2008 should reduce the fishing capacity by 15%. The Netherlands also intend to take accompanying measures to support the crew of the vessels concerned, including additional training and early retirement. The remaining vessels will be encouraged to invest in more sustainable fishing techniques.
Priority 2: Aquaculture, inland fishing, processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products
One set of measures will aim to increase the sustainability of mollusc cultivation. Innovative techniques are required to keep mollusc production viable. The same is true for innovation in the fish-farming sector. Measures will be needed for the inland fisheries sector on the basis of the national management plan for eel. Finally, sustainability in the processing and marketing of fish will also be promoted, through investment in a range of activities, including high-quality new products and the identification of market niches in order to make better use of rare species, discards and waste.
Priority 3: Measures of common interest
Measures of common interest will primarily focus on the development, sharing and use of knowledge, and on stimulating collaboration among fishermen, other parties to the marketing chain, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and knowledge institutions. The emphasis will be placed on the promotion of the collective interest of the different players in the fisheries chain. Support will focus on the encouragement of joint ventures throughout the fisheries chain that promote selective fishing methods, sustainable management of fish stocks, improvement of quality, traceability of fish and fisheries products, etc.
Priority 4: Sustainable development of fisheries areas
Under this axis, support will be given to promote local interests, such as stimulating the local employment market in fishing regions and strengthening the competitiveness of the local economy. Measures will also focus on reinforcing the socio-cultural identity of fishing areas. These themes will be developed by the fishing community itself, in collaboration with local and regional authorities (the Provinces).
Priority 5: Technical assistance
The support under this axis ensures that the management, control and monitoring systems of the Operational Programme function efficiently and that the Operational Programme is implemented in an appropriate manner.
Financing plan (in EUR)Total 120,678,417, 48,578,417 in EFF Contribution and 72,100,000 in National Contribution for the period 2007 to 2013
