Latvia: Operational Programme for the Latvian fisheries sector 2007-2013 (Eiropas Zivsaimniecības fonda atbalsta ieviešanai Latvijā, 2007-2013) co-funded by the European Fisheries Fund

MEMO/07/613

Brussels, 20 December 2007

Summary

The European Commission recently approved the Operational Programme for the Latvian Fisheries Sector for the period 2007-2013. The total eligible public expenditure of the programme is € 166 687 419, with EU assistance through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) amounting to € 125 015 563.

The programme covers the entire territory of Latvia which is designated as a whole as a convergence region.

The purpose and aim of the EU investment

During 2004-2006, Latvia benefited from EU support under the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) of over € 24 million. As a result, by the end of 2006, over 380 projects were supported: 48 fishing vessels were scrapped and 4 fishing vessels reassigned, 3 fishing ports, 21 fish processing enterprise and 15 aquaculture enterprises were modernised. More than 110 fishermen received compensation for the loss of their jobs due to the permanent cessation of fishing activities.

The new EU programme for 2007-2013 builds on the success of the previous programme and aims at promoting the sustainable development of the fisheries sector and of areas where the fisheries sector is an important activity, in particular by increasing the competitiveness of the sector and adjusting fleet capacity to available fish resources.

Priority axes

Priority 1: Adaptation of the EU fishing fleet

This priority axis aims at adjusting the fishing fleet's capacity to the available fish resources, creating an efficient, up-to-date fishing fleet which manages its fishing activities and use of resources in a sustainable way.

Priority 2: Aquaculture, inland fishing, processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products.

The objective of this axis is to promote an environmentally friendly aquaculture sector, the sustainable use of fish stocks in inland waters, and to enhance the competitiveness of the processing sector.

Priority 3: Measures of common interest

Measures under this axis are particularly aimed at the promotion of partnership, co-operation and acquisition of professional skills, and the protection and development of aquatic fauna and flora. Particular attention is also paid to the improvement of the infrastructure of fishing ports and landing sites, the development of new markets and promotional campaigns.

Priority 4: Sustainable development of fisheries areas

The objective of this axis is to develop and improve in a sustainable way the quality of life and attractiveness of fisheries areas at the initiative of local fisheries groups.

The development of small-scale infrastructure and services related to fisheries and tourism, the diversification of economic activities and the recovery and development of small fisheries villages will be financed under this priority axis.

Priority 5: Technical assistance

Support is provided under this axis to ensure that the management, control and monitoring systems of the operational programme function efficiently and that the programme is implemented in an appropriate manner. The establishment of a network of local fisheries groups will be financed under this axis.

Responsible Authority and contact details

Ministry of Agriculture

Managing Authority for Operational Programme for the Latvian Fisheries Sector for the period 2007-2013

Mr Aivars Lapiņš, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture

Address: Republikas laukums 2, Riga, Latvia, LV-1981

Tel. +371 6 7027112

Fax +371 6 7830272

E-mail: Aivars.Lapins@zm.gov.lv Web:

http://www.zm.gov.lv/

Table: "Rīcības programma Eiropas Zivsaimniecības fonda atbalsta ieviešanai Latvijā, 2007-2013" (Operational Programme for the Implementation of the European Fisheries Fund support in Latvia for the period 2007-2013), co-funded by EFF

Financial table

Financing plan by priority axis for the period 2007-2013 (in EUR)