|
|
SOP- Fisheries
Introduction
From the perspective of the Polish economy, the contribution of the fisheries sector is relatively small, amounting to 0.07% of GDP. However, the impact of fisheries on national development may also be measured by social, ecological and cultural parameters. In addition, regional aspects must be considered: three coastal voivodships with long historical traditions (Pomorskie, Zachodniopomorskie and Warminsko-Mazurskie) are highly dependant on the sector and have high unemployment rates ranging from 19.6% to 28.7%.
The overall objective of the Polish fisheries strategy is rational management of live fish stock and improvement of the fisheries sector’s effectiveness resulting in enhancement of the competitive position of Polish fisheries and fish processing. It is expected that the products of the Polish fishery industry will meet domestic demand both in terms of pricing and of quality and find its place in the foreign market.
The primary concern is focused on the adjustment of fishing effort to the available resources, reflecting the key objective of the EU Common Fisheries Policy and contributing to sustainable development. The adjustment means reducing the capacity of the fishing fleet by an estimated 30%-40%. This reduction, however, will result in a loss of some 2000 jobs. Therefore, socio-economic measures are foreseen to alleviate the negative effects.
Another general objective is the enhancement of the fisheries sector’s competitive position and development of viable establishments. Other objectives aim at:
- Improvement in fish and fish product quality and increase in fish and fish product added values,
- Revival of fisheries and aquaculture dependant areas,
- Increase in fish consumption in Poland and increase in sea and fresh-water fish and fish product supplies to the Polish market.
The SOP measures are implemented through the following five priorities:
1. Adjustment of fishing effort
The first priority is to establish a sustainable balance between fish stock and fishing effort, which will be attained by limiting access to the marine resources.
The adjustment of fishing effort will be achieved by the following means:
1. scrapping of vessels;
2. transfer to third countries / permanent reassignment of vessels for non-profit purposes other than fishing;
3. joint enterprises.
2. Renewal and modernisation of fishing fleet
The second priority seeks to improve the fishing fleet’s profitability and competitive position, and to improve sanitary and safety conditions of work. For this purpose three measures are foreseen:
1. construction of new vessels;
2. modernisation of existing vessels;
3. withdrawal (without public assistance) associated with renewal.
3. Protection and development of aquatic resources, aquaculture, fishing port facilities, processing and marketing, inland fishing
The third priority has as its principal objective the restitution of diadromous fish migration paths, as well as actions aimed at mitigation of adverse effects of aquaculture and fishery. Another objective of the priority is to develop fishing port facilities in order to improve profitability and quality of marketed fish and fish products.
Measures foreseen to be implemented:
1. protection and development of aquatic resources;
2. aquaculture;
3. fishing port facilities;
4. processing and marketing;
5. inland fishing.
4. Other measures
The objective of the fourth priority is support for small-scale coastal fishing and mitigation of socio-economic effects for fishermen losing their jobs as a result of fleet restructuring or temporarily suspended operations. Other objectives are focused on producer’s organisation incorporation, fish sale promotion, and innovative actions.
To obtain the objectives the following measures are foreseen:
1. small-scale coastal fishing;
2. socio-economic measures;
3. measures to find and promote new market outlets;
4. operations by members of the trade;
5. temporary cessation and other financial compensation;
6. innovative measures.
5. Technical assistance
The fifth priority – technical assistance – will contribute to the preparation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation or adjustment of the Operational Programme. In addition, some operations of general nature for Structural Funds shall be financed under the “Technical Assistance” OP.
As an outcome of the Common Fisheries Policy reform, Council Regulation No 2792/1999 of 17 December 1999 has been amended by Council Regulation No 2369/2002 of 20 December 2002. The amendments made regarding limited eligibility of certain measures in terms of time and scope shall be taken into account.
Sectoral Operational Programme FISHIERIES and FISH PROCESSING 2004-2006. Community Support Framework for 2004-2006 - download a file .pdf
|
|
|