Fostering sustainable fisheries together with the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources constitute the key priority of the programme, corresponding to 86% of the total funds’ allocation.
Danish industry, from global shipping to reusable coffee cups, is known internationally for leadership in “green” or sustainable technology and practices. This innovative mindset has been given an added boost in the seafood industry with an outlay from the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) “to achieve green transition, support sustainable and energy efficient fisheries and aquaculture, as well as to enhance marine biodiversity in Denmark.”
The programme, extending through 2027, is funded with EUR 287 million in contributions from the EU (70%) and the Danish Government (30%). Some 86% of this funding is allocated for sustainable fisheries and the conservation of aquatic resources: inducements for energy efficiency of fishing vessels through research and innovation and investments; investments to comply with the landing obligation; promotion and marketing; support to improve data collection and control and enforcement; and funding for river restoration. Another 8% is channelled to sustainable aquaculture: including innovation, research, and investments in sustainable aquaculture to reduce negative ecosystem impacts and enhance energy efficiency; promotion and marketing. The remaining 6% is intended for technical assistance.
Denmark hopes to become a role model in the EU’s green transition with, among other things, a stated target of 70% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. Its EMFAF programme aims at improving gear selectivity for more efficient and sustainable fishing, and energy efficiency in both fisheries and aquaculture to reduce costs as well as ecosystem impacts. Measures that support the digital transition in fisheries and aquaculture are intended to improve economic efficiency and also environmental sustainability, with better fisheries management (e.g., setting, meeting, and enforcing quotas) and production and marketing of seafood from both fisheries and aquaculture.