January 5, 2012

 

Spanish government to invest US$20 million in aquaculture

 

 

The Ministry of Marine Affairs of the Galician Government has set a EUR16 million (US$20 million) package toward boosting the aquaculture sector for 2012.

 

According to an official statement, the eligible aid projects are investments for the construction, expansion, equipping and modernization of aquaculture facilities.

 

The Government aims to ensure diversification into new species production and new market opportunities, improvement in safety conditions at work and production methods which helps to protect and enhance nature preservation.

 

The Authority also clarified that those interested in building and modernizing dinghies for aquaculture will be entitled to benefit from the aid.

 

The Ministry informed that the deadline for applications is extended until January 31.

 

Moreover, the Galician government will allocate EUR19 million (US$24 million) to the processing and marketing.

 

The parties entitled to access these grants are processing establishments or marketing of fish, shellfish and aquaculture holders already existing in Galicia, and those who establish new centres in the community.

 

It will benefit those who produce high quality products for niche markets and reduce the negative environmental impact, using little-used species, by-products and waste, and market products originating mainly from local discharges and aquaculture.

 

In addition, the Ministry will invest EUR120,000 (US$154,985) to cover the costs of setting up fish producers' organisations in the 2010 and 2011 campaigns, and EUR3 million (US$3.9 million) for the permanent inshore craft included in the comprehensive management plan for inshore fishery of the Northwest Bay of Biscay in 2012.

 

In order to promote energy efficiency measures, the authority will provide EUR5 million (US$6.5 million), given that the fuel is one of the biggest costs in running a ship, especially in some segments of the fleet.

 

Finally, the Galician government will allocate EUR7 million (US$9 million) to modernise its fleet and make it "more competitive and profitable" in the current economic situation.