France receives big financial boost to develop aquaculture and seafood sectors

Funds will help ‘future-proof’ and boost resiliency of fisheries and aquaculture sectors

France has received €567 million (U.S. $598 million) in funding from the European Commission, which will be used to “help facilitate the ecological transition of the aquaculture and fisheries sector.” The funding, which falls under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, will help align seafood and aquaculture products with consumer expectations for sustainable food choices, sustain small-scale coastal fishing, improve the sectors’ resilience and boost the take-up of innovative solutions to the current challenges.

The funding is part of a partnership agreement with the European Commission, which invests €18.4 billion (U.S. $19.4 billion) over five years. Funds will be used to support France in promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion, while advancing key European Union priorities, such as the green and digital transition.

The funds will also contribute to the competitiveness of the French regions, while addressing territorial disparities between rural and urban areas, notably when it comes to access to healthcare and to social services.

“This Partnership Agreement will create favorable conditions for the harmonious deployment of maritime and coastal activities and contribute to the development of a sustainable blue economy in both mainland France and its Outermost Regions,” said Virginijus Sinkevicius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries. “It will support a future-proof and resilient transition of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors and enhance the protection of the marine environment and biodiversity. It shall play a crucial role in supporting coastal communities and decarbonizing our economy.”

 

The partnership agreement with France follows those of Greece, Germany, Lithuania, Austria, Finland, Czechia and Denmark.

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