Albania to Receive €3.4mln EU Grant to Boost Fisheries Sector

TIRANA, July 28

The European Union (EU) launched a call for proposals in support to the fishery sector.
“To increase the contribution of fishery sector to the economic development of Albania by improving management and protection of fishery resources in line with the EU Common Fishery Policy”. The overall indicative amount made available under this call for proposals is euro 3.4 million. Euro 1.9 million will be used for technical assistance, Euro 100,000 for supplies for the fishery administration and Euro 1.4 million for the application of the application of the investment grant scheme.
“Although small compared with other sectors of the economy, the fisheries in Albania represent an important socio-economic sector. The sector embeds high growing potentials to be exploited through formulation and adoption of appropriate policies sustained by efficient investments,” the call for proposals says.
Moreover, it specifies that the fisheries chapter is one of 35 chapters of the Acquis: the most important part of this chapter is the body of law implementing the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which manages EU fisheries and aquaculture based on Articles 38-43 of the Treaty of the European Union.

“The main objective is to establish a responsible and sustainable fishery sector by eliminating inappropriate fishing practices, as well as creating opportunities for jobs and growth in coastal areas taking into account the application of principle of equal treatment between men and women,” the document highlights.
Individuals and subjects interested on this action can find all the detailed information on eligibility criteria, how to apply for the grants and other requirements here. The deadline for the submission of concept notes is at 17:00 of September 11th, 2017.
According to the data provided by the National Fleet Register, in 2015 there were there are 592 licensed fishing vessels from which 182 bottom trawl fishing vessels, 9 pelagic purse seiners fishing vessels, 375 Small Scale Fisheries and 26 combined fishing vessels.

News Source: EU in Albania