European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)
Enriched EU · Found: 2026-03-10 17:40
EU cornerstone fund for aquaculture including seaweed and kelp farming. Supports sustainable aquaculture projects through national co-financing. Covers innovation, environmental sustainability, and market development in marine sectors.
Source: https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/funding/emfaf_en
Funding Details
- Funder
- European Commission — Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE)
- Funding Goal
- Support sustainable fisheries, aquaculture development (including seaweed and shellfish farming), marine conservation, blue economy innovation, coastal community resilience, and the implementation of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. Funds innovative projects ensuring aquatic and maritime resources are used sustainably, including low-carbon fishing transitions, marine biodiversity protection, and sustainable aquaculture.
- Funding Amount
- Total budget €6.108 billion for 2021-2027. Shared management: €5.311 billion via national programmes co-financed by EU and member states. Direct management: €797 million provided directly by the Commission (via CINEA). (up to 6.108.000.000 €)
- How to Apply
- Shared management: contact the national authority in your country (list available on EC website) and apply through the national operational programme. Direct management: monitor CINEA (European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency) and EU Funding & Tenders Portal for open calls. Check oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu for call announcements.
- Target Region
- European Union member states; some components may include international ocean governance activities
- Contact
- DG MARE contacts via: https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/departments-and-executive-agencies/maritime-affairs-and-fisheries_en#contact
- Last Checked
- 2026-03-15 10:58
Application Checklist
Eligibility
Project Scope
Required Documents
Constraints
Summary
The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) is the EU's main financial instrument for supporting sustainable use and management of maritime and aquatic resources for the period 2021-2027, with a total budget of €6.108 billion. It was established by Regulation (EU) 2021/1139 and entered into force on 14 July 2021. Thematic scope includes: sustainable fisheries transition (low-carbon fishing, reduction of discards), marine biodiversity and ecosystem protection, sustainable aquaculture including innovative forms such as seaweed and shellfish farming, food security and seafood supply chains, skills and workforce development in fisheries and aquaculture, socio-economic vitality of coastal communities, blue economy innovation, maritime security, and international ocean governance. Eligible activities include investments in fishing vessel improvements, innovation in sustainable aquaculture, data collection and control systems, marine protected area support, coastal community development, and research and capacity building for blue economy actors. Geographic scope is the European Union. Shared management programmes cover all EU coastal and landlocked member states with fisheries interests. Some international ocean governance activities may extend to third countries. Eligible applicants vary by management mode. Under shared management (€5.311 billion), applicants apply through their national managing authorities; eligible entities typically include fishers, aquaculture producers, producer organizations, coastal communities, NGOs, and public bodies depending on national programme rules. Under direct management (€797 million via CINEA), calls are open to a wider range of applicants including research institutes, NGOs, and private companies across the EU. Target beneficiaries include the fishing industry, aquaculture sector (including innovative producers such as seaweed farmers), coastal fishing communities, marine conservation actors, and the broader maritime economy. Co-financing with national budgets is a core feature of the shared management component.
Historical Context
EMFAF entered into force on 14 July 2021, replacing the previous European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) 2014-2020. Runs from 2021 to 2027. The fund's national programme budgets are allocated using the same percentage shares as the 2014-2020 period.
Why it was added
Primary EU funding mechanism for seaweed aquaculture, supports NGOs through national co-financing programs