The Department of Rural Development, Livestock, Fishing and Food of Cantabria has opened the call for aid to make investments on board fishing vessels corresponding to the 2027 fiscal year, with a maximum budget of 1.5 million euros, co-financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (FEMPA) 2021-2027.
According to the resolution published this Tuesday in the Official Bulletin of Cantabria (BOC), the subsidies are aimed at shipowners and holders of vessels with a home port in the community, as well as communities of goods and other groups that meet the requirements set out in the regulatory framework.
The deadline for submitting applications will be three months from this Wednesday and the purpose is to promote the modernization of the Cantabrian fleet, fostering a more competitive, safe, and environmentally friendly activity.
Among the supported investments are those aimed at reducing the environmental impact of fishing, improving energy efficiency and mitigating climate change, strengthening working and safety conditions on board, replacing or updating engines, and raising the quality and added value of fishery products.
In particular, lines of aid are contemplated to reduce the fishing footprint in the marine environment and advance in the gradual elimination of discards; actions for energy efficiency and climate change mitigation; and improvements in working conditions, hygiene, health, and safety on vessels.
Additionally, support is included for the replacement or modernization of main or auxiliary engines in vessels up to 24 meters in length, as well as projects aimed at increasing the quality, safety, and added value of the catches.
The maximum intensity of the subsidies will be between 40% and 75% of the considered subsidizable investment, depending on the type of action. Furthermore, the operations may benefit from European co-financing of up to 70% through FEMPA.
The counselor, María Jesús Susinos, has emphasized that this line of aid reinforces the commitment of the regional government to a fishing sector considered strategic for Cantabria, by supporting investments that allow professionals to work under better conditions of safety, profitability, and sustainability.
Susinos has insisted that the renewal and modernization of the fleet is "fundamental" to face the current challenges of the sector, especially regarding energy efficiency and adaptation to environmental demands, while ensuring the economic viability of companies and the future of coastal communities.
Finally, he has indicated that these aids facilitate the incorporation of technological innovations and new equipment that reduce fuel consumption, decrease emissions, and promote a more responsible management of marine resources, in line with European sustainability policies, as the regional government has stated in a press release.