Support for onshore workers during temporary fishing bans

Subject: Support for onshore workers during temporary fishing bans

A recent meeting of mine with workers from the fishing sector revealed that a number of workers who carry out their duties on land (equipment preparation, net repairs, etc.) are excluded from European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) support during biological recovery closure periods. Although it is not actually enough, that support has become particularly important in seine fishing, as one closure period has been followed by another in sardine fishing, which, it should be stressed, is the main source of income in the sector.

Their exclusion is unfair because, when it comes to their income, those workers are as dependent on fishing activity as those at sea. In view of the fact that the compensation is paid when vessels are forced to stop working and that workers on land are also prevented from working whenever those at sea are, all workers – whether at sea or onshore – should be eligible for EMFF support during temporary fishing bans.

– Is the Commission aware of the above situation? What is its justification for it?

– Will it remedy that injustice by making it possible for EMFF support during temporary fishing bans to be given to onshore workers, who are left without income during those bans?

Answer given by Mr Vella on behalf of the European Commission

(17 July 2018)

Article 33 of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) Regulation (1) allows for support for temporary cessation — under certain conditions — to affected owners of vessels and fishermen who have worked at sea for a minimum amount of time.

The Commission is aware of the potential impact of temporary cessation on on-shore workers. In order to alleviate eventual negative effects, they may benefit from financial assistance for training, lifelong learning, innovation and entrepreneurship under Article 29 of the EMFF. They may also be eligible for funding for operations supporting diversification of activities, life-long learning or job creation in the context of community-led local development strategies for fisheries and aquaculture areas under Article 63 of the EMFF.

The Commission in its proposal for the new EMFF (2) in the period of 2021-2027 has retained these funding opportunities.

In addition to the EMFF, support for training and lifelong learning is also available through other European Structural and Investment Funds such as the European Social Fund.

⋅1∙ Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 May 2014 on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council

Regulations (EC) No 2328/2003, (EC) No 861/2006, (EC) No 1198/2006 and (EC) No 791/2007 and Regulation (EU) No 1255/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 149, 20.5.2014, p. 1).

⋅2∙ COM(2018) 390 final.