Natura 2000 Funding Opportunities under EMFF Regulation for 2014-2020

Damien ClarkeManaging Authority – EFF / EMFFdamien.clarke@agriculture.gov.ie

Who am I?

Responsible within DAFM for –Grant aid to Seafood sectorInshore Fisheries Management (including Natura 2000)

Topics

1.Investment EFF 2007 – 20132.EMFF programme development3.Funding opportunities for Natura 2000

Role of DAFMPolicy responsibility for development of the seafood

sector – fisheries, aquaculture, processing, FLAGs etc

Managing Authority for –EFF - Seafood Development Programme 2007-2013EMFF – development of new investment

programme for 2014-2020

Context - EFF investment

EFF – Seafood Development Programme 2007-2013Runs until 2015Total EFF funds €42 million, together with

Exchequer and private funds.Covers investment in Fishing fleet,

Aquaculture, Processing, Marketing and Promotion, FLAGs, etc.

Exchequer only investment

Exchequer funding Natura 2000

EMFF RegulationNew EU Regulation covering investment in

seafood sector Not yet adoptedCouncil and Parliament positionsTrilogue process ongoing - Adoption Q2

2014?Covers fisheries, aquaculture, processing &

marketing, FLAGs, Data Collection, Control, IMP.

EMFF OP DevelopmentDevelopment of EMFF OP commencedTarget for completion June 2014SWOT analysis completeInitial Needs Assessment completeSee

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/fisheries/marineagenciesprogrammesdivision/futureseafooddevelopmentinireland2014-2020/

Our EMFF OP Partners

RSM Clure Watters and Poseidon

Their role –Ex-ante evaluationStrategic Environmental Assessment

EMFF OP - Next Steps

Stakeholder involvement

SWOT / Needs Assessment consultation Aug/Sept 2013

Stakeholder workshop 27 Nov 2013Consultation Feb 2014 Draft Op and SEAStakeholder workshop date April 2014Approval of Monitoring Committee July

2014

EMFF SWOT and Natura 2000

Fisheries

Restrictions on fishing arising from Natura 2000 (threat)

Loss of biodiversity (threat)

EMFF SWOT and Natura 2000Aquaculture

Delays in licensing process (weakness)Off-shore aquaculture sites less

environmentally sensitive (opportunity)Restrictions on development arising from

Natura 2000 (threat)Climate change (threat)Stakeholder opposition to industry (threat)

EMFF OP - Natura 2000 Funding opportunities

Articles 35 to 38 of EMFF Regulation most relevant to Natura 2000

Also article 54

EMFF Article 35

EMFF Article 36Relates to scientific or technical studies /

trials to –Improve technical knowledgeImprove fishing techniquesEnhance Gear selectivity Reduce impacts of fishing on environment

Must be carried out by in in collaboration with scientific or technical body recognised by MS

Study must be published

EMFF Article 36 cont.

EMFF Article 37Funds fishermen onlyMay fund gear replacement that –

Improves size or species selectivityReduces by-catchLimits impacts of fishing on ecosystem or

seabedProtects gear and catch from species

protected by Habitats and Birds Directives, without damaging species

EMFF Article 38

Covers the following-Collection of marine litter by fishermenConstruction of facilities to protect marine

fauna and floraBetter management or conservation of

marine biological resourcesManagement plans for fishing in Natura

2000, including related studies and monitoring

EMFF Article 38 cont.

Cont.

Management, restoration and monitoring of Natura 2000 sites and MPAs

Other activities to maintain and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem services

Environmental awareness involving fishermen on protection and restoration of marine biodiversity

EMFF Article 38 cont.

EMFF Article 38 contPossible uses of funding under art 38

Fisheries Natura Plans (preparation / implementation)

Fishing activity reporting systems within Natura sites

Monitoring of biodiversity changes associated with any planned change in fishing pattern

Monitoring closed areas within Natura sites

Education and outreach

EMFF Article 54Funds Aquaculture operators onlyFunding by way of annual compensationFunding may be used for –

Implementing aquaculture methods required because of Natura 2000 designation

Costs associated with conservation and biodiversity restoration programmes

Implementing extensive aquaculture (biodiversity, management of landscape, conservation)

EMFF PrioritisationEMFF is a menu!

A la carte – not all you can eat buffet!

Ireland must prioritise and make choices!

EMFF Prioritisation cont.

Finite funds for EMFF OPOnly measures included in EMFF OP will

attract EU co-fundingNational budgets will be prioritised for OP

implementation

Competition for fundingFishing Fleet – Safety, capacity balance

Aquaculture – jobs / growing production

Processing & Marketing – jobs / growing exports

FLAGs – jobs, economic development

Control – regulatory requirement

Data Collection – regulatory requirement

Thank you

Questions?