The Marine Biodiversity is established under Priority 1 (Sustainable Fisheries) and Priority 2 (Sustainable Aquaculture) of Ireland's Operational Programme (OP) and are co-funded by the Irish Government and EMFAF 2021-2027.
The objective 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.Operations implemented under the Marine Biodiversity Scheme will also support the following:
Prioritised Action Framework for the Habitats and Birds Directives
Programme of Measures for the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Actions under the CFP in support of marine biodiversity and species and habitat restoration.
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. These measures will be implemented by the Marine Institute.
Priority 1: Fostering sustainable fisheries and the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources | Priority 2: Fostering sustainable aquaculture activities, and processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products |
| 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. | The Marine Biodiversity Scheme under Priority 2 aims to foster sustainable aquaculture activities, and processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products, and thus contribute to food security in the Union. |
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