[section section_id=”” auto_generated=”1″ _made_with_builder=”true”][row][column width=”1_1″ extraclasses=”” _made_with_builder=”true”][text_block text=”<p><strong>The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has opened the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) for applications in England</strong></p><p>The EMFF is a European funding programme to support fisheries, inland waters, aquaculture and maritime sectors. The fund will provide support to enable sustainable development within fishing and aquaculture and conservation of marine environments. It'll also support growth and jobs in coastal communities.</p><p>The scheme seeks to enable the:</p><ul><li>transition to sustainable fishing</li><li>support of coastal communities to diversify their economies</li><li>financing of projects to create jobs and improve quality of life</li><li>and to make it easier for applicants to access funding</li></ul><p>The UK has secured <span style="color: #0b0c0c;">€243 million (around £190 million) of the programme.</span></p><p><strong>Proposed outcomes of the funding</strong></p><p>The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mmo-opens-243-million-european-maritime-fisheries-fund-in-england">first phase of the fund</a>, worth €33m, brings benefits to fisheries, processing, and aquaculture. In addition to supporting the competitiveness of the fishing sector, it helps fishermen adapt to the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Applications are sought for improving health and safety on vessels, enhancing the quality or value of catch, investing in infrastructure and general investments in aquaculture.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mmo-announces-the-next-phase-of-the-emff-scheme-in-england">second phase of the fund</a>, worth €6.4m, is also now open to fund up to six Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) to support community led development in fisheries communities. The key focus of the FLAGs is to support their areas to adapt to the reformed CFP and to maximise economic growth opportunities.</p><p><strong>For more information</strong></p><p>The EMFF application process takes place online.</p><p>Comprehensive information on the fund, eligibility, how to apply and more can be found here: <strong><a href="https://www.gov.uk/topic/commercial-fishing-fisheries/funding" target="_blank">European Maritime and Fisheries Fund</a></strong> (EMFF)</p><p>The Coastal Staff and European Grants Team are available to help by email at <a href="mailto:emff.queries@marinemanagement.org.uk">emff.queries@marinemanagement.org.uk</a>.</p><p><em>Photograph courtesy of gov.uk</em></p>” _made_with_builder=”true”][/text_block][/column][/row][/section]