The adopted programme is well aligned with the priorities of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the EU's reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
As a result, funds will go to three main areas: supporting the CFP objectives to ensure that fishing and aquaculture activities are or become more environmentally sustainable; boosting the development of aquaculture; and improving livelihoods in local communities that depend on fishing and aquaculture, by creating jobs and alternative sources of income as set out in strategies developed by fisheries local action groups.
The programme will also contribute to improving the competitiveness of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors by fostering marketing and processing. Finally, funds will support improvements in the management of fisheries control and data collection activities.
