Parliamentary Secretary for the EU Presidency 2017 and EU Funds Ian Borg today announced 3 EU funded schemes for Gozitan and Maltese fishermen worth €2 million.

The Parliamentary Secretary explained how fishermen will be able to apply for European funds to have new forms of income, investing in energy efficiency, as well as more modern machinery. These measures amount to around € 2 million under the European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the 2014-2020 financial programme.

Ian Borg explained measure which will be targeted for trends or activities related to fisheries and educational activities on fishing, especially relating to the modernisation of restaurants or investing in fishermen’s boats to attract more tourists.

There will be other measures aimed at working towards energy efficient fishermen, to invest in equipment aimed at reducing emissions of air pollutants. They can be used for the ship’s hull, improvement of the ship propulsion system, investment in gear and fishing equipment, investments aimed at reducing pollution and electricity consumption, or energy conservation, among others.

Another measure will be to give support to the replacement or modernisation of main or ancillary engines. It will be given to vessels with a total length of no more than 24 metres.

Parliamentary Secretary Borg explained how these initiatives are part of the 2014-2020 programme of € 29 million Malta negotiated with the European Commission – € 18 million more than the previous programme for 2007-2013. These funds will also finance major works on the Marsaxlokk breakwaters, along with other infrastructure projects.

Photograph: DOI/Kevin Abela

 

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