Danish gillnetters. (Photo: Terje Engoe/Copyright: FIS)
Parliament approves USD 145 million subsidies for fishing-aquaculture sector
DENMARK
Friday, May 19, 2017, 02:00 (GMT + 9)
Danish Parliament members have agreed by a broad consensus to a new billion kroner fisheries package that should stimulate fishing and aquaculture in Denmark over the coming years.
As to the agreed deal, DKK 972 million (USD 145.2 million) has been earmarked in subsidies for the sector. This amount will be 70 per cent financed through EU funding and will be included on Denmark’s budget for 2018, reported The Copenhagen Post.
“It’s important to ensure the future of the Danish fishing industry, and I’m very happy that all parties have agreed on a deal that can put the wind in the sails of both large fishing vessels and also small trawlers,” said Esben Lunde Larsen, the minister for food and the environment.
The package is also designed to bring more life to harbours around the country.
The subsidies will be available for investment in vessels, new onboard technology and improving the general working environment. From the available pot, DKK 53 million (USD 7.9 million) has specifically been set aside for initiatives related to coastal fishing.
For his part, Simon Kollerup, the fishing spokesperson for Socialdemokratiet, pointed out that life along the coasts of Denmark needs a boost and so they have ensured this through this deal where more resources are being made available to support country districts and coastal communities through job-creation and specially focusing on tourism in these area.
Before the agreement can come into force, Denmark will have to submit a proposal to the European Commission, which will have to approve the changes to the current agreement.
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