- This call for grants, published with the aim of moving towards a blue economy, is co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFF).
- The following are eligible to apply for these grants: fishing and aquaculture sector associations, scientific or technical organizations recognized in Spain, non-profit organizations and public sector entities.
- All projects must have the collaboration and/or active participation of the fishing or aquaculture sector during their implementation.
The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, has launched a new call for grants on a competitive basis, for the promotion of the blue economy and the promotion of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, under the Pleamar Program, co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (FEMPA).
The Pleamar Program evolves from the results of the previous period, in which 135 projects have been financed, with an amount of more than 24 million euros and, in this new period (2021-2027), it reinforces the actions related to research, conservation and knowledge of the marine environment, with a special focus on the marine Natura 2000 Network.
This call, endowed with 14.55 million euros, aims to support the fishing and aquaculture sector in its commitment to sustainability, reduce marine pollution and promote the ecological transition to improve knowledge, protection, conservation and restoration of the marine environment.
Depending on the different axes envisaged, entities and groups with a maximum of four members may apply for this call for subsidies. The following entities may apply: fishing and aquaculture sector associations, scientific or technical organizations recognized in Spain, non-profit organizations and public sector entities.
The projects submitted to the call for proposals must be of a supra-autonomous nature, carrying out actions in more than one autonomous community or city; or be developed in the marine environment under state jurisdiction. They must also be developed in protected areas defined and regulated as basic in state legislation. Its maximum duration will be 18 months.
As for the budget, the minimum amount of aid per project will be €100,000 for single applicant entities and €200,000 for groups of entities. The maximum amount of the projects will vary according to the axis in which the project is framed. The call is structured around seven lines of action: interactions and impacts; reduction of the effect of fishing on the environment; protection of the marine environment; waste; research on marine resources and governance; environmental awareness; environmental research in aquaculture and knowledge of the marine environment.
Applications, whose deadline is January 21, 2024, must be submitted through the Fundación Biodiversidad’s website, https://fundacion-biodiversidad.es/convocatorias_pleama/convocatoria-de-ayudas-del-programa-pleamar-2023/, and an e-mail address has been set up to handle queries from interested persons and entities: pleamar@fundacion-biodiversidad.es.
