€11.5m will be allocated for the green transition of the Danish fishing industry, part of a €18.5m overall package including aquaculture. Photo: DFPO
Now, three grant schemes totalling 138.3 million kroner (€18.5m\£15.8m) are opening to support the development and dissemination of green solutions in Danish fisheries and aquaculture. The funding comes from the Danish program for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (EMFAF).
The emissions of greenhouse gases within the fishing sector can be significantly reduced when diesel and oil are replaced by zero- and low-emission solutions such as electric and hybrid motors. Similarly, there is potential in the aquaculture sector to develop environmentally and climate-improving solutions that can enhance resource-efficient aquaculture production.
Now, three funding pools totalling 138.3 million kroner are opening to help develop and disseminate green solutions in the fishing and aquaculture industry.
The new green solutions should both contribute to Denmark’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 70% by 2030 and ensure that Denmark becomes one of the leading nations in the green transformation of fisheries and aquaculture.
Minister for Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries Jacob Jensen (V) says:
“Danish fisheries are currently facing a number of major challenges, including in the aftermath of Brexit and with changing fish stocks. At the same time, we live in a time where there are both high demands and great expectations to develop new green solutions that can reduce climate impact and environmental footprint in almost all industries. I see a fishing industry with great willingness to set a new and greener direction for Danish fisheries. Therefore, I am pleased that with the green grants totaling 138.3 million kroner, we can now create new sustainable solutions for both the fishing and aquaculture industry, moving them in a more climate-friendly direction.”
Facts:
The grant schemes are part of the Danish Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, and Aquaculture program for 2021-2027, co-financed by EU funds from the European Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund.
The new green grant schemes aim to contribute to the development of solutions with potential for commercialization in the Danish fishing and aquaculture industry and to increase the incentive for making new green investments. Additionally, there is a focus on exploring new untested fisheries and new methods to optimize catches, ensuring that fishing remains profitable.
The three grant schemes are open for applications from July 03, 2023, until August 31, 2023. The grant schemes can be applied for by the fisheries and aquaculture industry and producer organizations, as well as relevant partners such as researchers and analysis institutes. Read more about the grant schemes in the Danish Fisheries Agency’s grant guide.
Facts about the three grant schemes:
84.6 million kroner (€11.5m\£9.7m) for the green transformation of fishing
The green transformation of fishing should happen in collaboration with the fishing industry. Therefore, funds are allocated for the development and testing of green technologies that can reduce CO2 emissions from the fishing industry. The focus is on involving the industry in the solution, so that technology is developed for environmentally, climatically, and economically sustainable fishing in the future.
Additionally, there is an opportunity to explore the possibility of fishing for new species, such as dab. It will also be possible to support the development of new methods to ensure the quality of catches, ensuring that fishing remains profitable.
32.7 million kroner (€4.4m\£3.7m) for the development of green transformation in aquaculture
To take the lead in the green transformation of the aquaculture industry, there is a need for more knowledge and the development of environmentally and climate-improving solutions. The development of new green technologies should contribute to the transformation of the Danish aquaculture sector, which should also remain a leader in the cultivation of fish and shellfish in the future.
Furthermore, seaweed production plays an important role in the green transition. Therefore, 5.1 million kroner (€685,000\£587,00) are earmarked for the development of commercial seaweed production, such as the cultivation of new seaweed species.
21 million kroner (€2.8m\£2.4m) for investments in green transformation of aquaculture
The widespread adoption of recirculation technology in land-based aquaculture plays a significant role in moving the industry in a greener direction. However, with the expansion of recirculation technology, there is also an increased energy demand and a risk of negative climate impact.
To reduce the climate footprint and the release of nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic material from the aquaculture industry, land-based aquaculture can apply for grants for investments in purification technology and climate solutions.”
Source: Press Release