- During this period, five calls for grants have been resolved, thanks to which 70 entities have worked to promote more sustainable fishing practices, for which more than 24 million euros have been allocated, 16 million of which have been provided by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
- During the presentation event, which took place in Burela (Lugo), an exhibition showing the main results of the projects co-financed by the FEMP in the 2014-2020 period of the Pleamar Program was also inaugurated.
- For the new period 2021-2027, a first call for grants has already been launched, endowed with 14.55 million euros, for the promotion of the blue economy and the promotion of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, with co-financing from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFF).
December 20, 2023-.
The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, has presented the results of the Pleamar Program corresponding to the 2014-2020 period, which ends in the coming days. The objective of the Pleamar Program is to promote the sustainability of the Spanish fishing and aquaculture sector, in the context of the blue economy, something that has been achieved in recent years thanks to the five calls for grants that have been resolved, in which 70 beneficiary entities have implemented 135 projects that contribute to the protection and recovery of marine biodiversity, the practice of more sustainable fishing and aquaculture activities, the reduction of unwanted catches and the reinforcement of the management of marine protected areas. More than 24 million euros, co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), have been earmarked for this purpose.
During the presentation ceremony, which took place in Burela (Lugo), a photographic exhibition was also inaugurated, which reflects the results obtained and brings the importance of this type of projects for the protection and improvement of marine biodiversity closer to the public. The exhibition will travel to different points of the Spanish geography during 2024, and for this purpose, organizations interested in hosting it may apply through the e-mail: pleamar@fundacion-biodiversidad.es. The exhibition consists of four informative panels and twenty photographs representative of the projects carried out during this period, which is now coming to an end.
Within the framework of the Pleamar Program, collaboration between the fishing sector, environmental organizations and the scientific community has been the key to success in providing solutions to the environmental challenges associated with marine biodiversity. Therefore, to highlight the importance of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the conservation of marine ecosystems and as key drivers of the blue economy, a round table discussion was held during the opening ceremony, with the participation of various entities that have benefited from the calls for aid and the screening of videos of some of the most representative projects of this period.
NEW PERIOD OF THE PLEAMAR PROGRAM AND NEW GRANTS
During the conference, the new 2021-2027 period of the Pleamar Program, co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFF), was presented, which reinforces actions related to research, conservation and knowledge of the marine environment, with a special focus on the marine Natura 2000 Network.
This new period has begun with the publication of a call for aid, on a competitive basis, for the promotion of the blue economy and the promotion of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, co-financed by the FEMPA.
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.
Individual entities and groups with a maximum of four members may apply for this call for subsidies, depending on the different areas of activity. The following entities may apply: fishing and aquaculture sector associations, scientific or technical organizations recognized in Spain, non-profit organizations and public sector entities. It 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 22, 2024, must be submitted through the Fundación Biodiversidad website, https://fundacion-biodiversidad.es/convocatorias_pleama/convocatoria-de-ayudas-del-programa-pleamar-2023/.
