The European Commission has adopted a key investment package for the Greek maritime, fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

About 523.4 million euro will be released until 2020 including more than 388 million euro funding from the European Union.

The initiative was welcomed by commissioner for environment, maritime affairs and fisheries, Karmenu Vella.

“With this investment package for fisheries and aquaculture in Greece, the Commission can help deliver projects with long-term benefits,” said Vella. “Greece’s has a world-renowned maritime tradition. With good spatial planning and an integrated strategy, its vast coastline can be a fundamental part of the country’s economic recovery. We want to give a jobs boost to Greek fishermen, fish farmers and their communities.”

The adopted operational programme is in line with the priorities of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy and Integrated Maritime policy. It aims at enhancing environmentally sustainable, resource efficient, innovative, and competitive fisheries and aquaculture as well as promoting blue growth and maritime skills in Greece.

In particular, funds will support projects that improve the livelihood of Greek fishing communities – for instance by improving infrastructure or by offering new professional development opportunities. Funding will also help limit the impact of fishing on the marine environment and enhance biodiversity by balancing fishing capacity and available fishing opportunities. Given the importance of the aquaculture sector in Greece, special focus will be placed on the promotion of economically and environmentally sustainable techniques.