The Marine Biodiversity Scheme is established under Priority 1, Sustainable Fisheries and Sustainable Aquaculture of Ireland's Operational Programme (OP) and are co-funded by the Irish Government and European Union. The objective of the Marine Biodiversity Scheme under Priority 1 is to foster sustainable fisheries and support the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources, specifically by contributing to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems.
Priority 1: Fostering sustainable fisheries & the restoration & conservation of aquatic biological resources
The aim of the Marine Biodiversity Scheme is to support the identification and monitoring of the impact of fishing/aquaculture activities on the marine environments including implementation of NATURA 2000, MPAs, MSFD and WFD
The Scheme may support actions that contribute to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems and the achievement of Good Environmental Status, including the following:
- enhance dissemination of fisheries data and information to stakeholder including increased awareness of the Natura/MPA network and associated conservation measures
- increase awareness on marine biodiversity, habitat loss, climate change and environmental impacts
- provide continued support for the designation and management process of Natura sites and MPAs
- reduce the use of fishing gear most harmful to biodiversity.
- support restoration to improve the status of Habitats Directive Annex IV habitats and species
- collect transversal data and spatial distribution of fishing effort for vessels <12m
- protect biodiversity in marine habitats
Measures implemented under the Scheme are undertaken for the protection and preservation of marine biodiversity, for the benefit of the fishing and aquaculture industries as a whole, and to contribute to fulfilment of Ireland’s obligations under EU Fisheries and Nature Directives.
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Projects will be grouped under the measures below and will be implemented by the Marine Institute.
