- This is the first call for grants of the new period of the Pleamar Programme, managed by the Biodiversity Foundation and co-financed by the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
- The selected projects will be executed by 54 entities, including research centers, universities, environmental non-profit entities and sectoral organizations
The Biodiversity Foundation of the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) has resolved a new call for grants from the Pleamar Programme aimed at promoting the blue economy, innovation and sustainability of the fisheries and aquaculture sector and strengthening the protection of the Natura 2000 Network in the marine environment. Thus, thanks to 43 projects with a total budget of 14.5 million euros ―co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (FEMPA)―, the first call for the new 2021-2027 period is launched, which aims to strengthen actions that help promote the ecological transition in the marine environment through the improvement of knowledge, the conservation and restoration of ecosystems and research in marine resources and governance, with a focus on the Natura 2000 Network. The 43 selected projects will be executed by 54 entities, including research centers, universities, environmental non-profit entities and sectoral organizations. More than half are initiatives that will be developed in groups made up of several entities, which reinforces the involvement and collaboration of different actors in the promotion of a sustainable blue economy. By type of action, 16 projects aimed at the protection of the marine environment, nine initiatives focused on environmental research in aquaculture, and six research projects, marine resources and governance have been selected. Likewise, five projects have been selected to address the problem of marine pollution, three projects on interactions and impacts to reduce the effect of fishing on marine ecosystems, two environmental awareness projects, and two dedicated to improving knowledge of the marine environment.
PROJECTS THAT PROMOTE THE ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION
The projects, which will have a maximum duration of 18 months, will delve into the reduction of accidental catches and the use of discards from fishing activity and will promote the improvement of their survival and use or the compatibility of fishing with the conservation of different species of cetaceans and seabirds. The collection of oceanographic data through underwater multiparameter observatories will also be improved. In addition, progress will be made in the use of bivalves in bioremediation actions or in improving aquaculture practices and monitoring the environmental status of coastal aquaculture. Actions will also be carried out to address the monitoring and removal of waste in coastal areas. This call will also pay special attention to projects that are committed to environmental awareness. In the new period 2021-2027, the publication of two calls for aid is planned, the next one for 2025, for a total amount of more than 29 million.
