The European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) is a financial instrument of the European Union designed to support sustainable fisheries, the conservation of marine resources, and the development of coastal communities. It aims to promote economic growth, social inclusion, and employment in the maritime and fisheries sectors while ensuring environmental sustainability.
Objective(s) and scope
The EMFAF runs from 2021 to 2027 and supports the EU common fisheries policy (CFP), the EU maritime policy and the EU agenda for international ocean governance.
It provides support for developing innovative projects ensuring that aquatic and maritime resources are used sustainably. The fund helps achieve sustainable fisheries and conserve marine biological resources. This leads to:
- food security through the supply of seafood products
- growth of a sustainable blue economy
- healthy, safe and sustainably managed seas and oceans
It also helps achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14 (‘conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources’), to which the EU is committed. Furthermore, the EMFAF helps fulfil the objectives of the European Green Deal, the roadmap for the EU climate and environmental policies.
Administering body
National programmes co-financed by the EU budget and EU countries (shared management) and European Commission (direct management
Financing product
Funding in any of the forms laid down in the Financial Regulation (Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046) and financing in the form of financial instruments within blending operations
Financing value
Total value of EUR 6.1 billion over the period 2021 – 2027:
- Shared management – EUR 5.3 billion provided through national programmes.
- Direct management – EUR 0.8 billion provided by the European Commission
Eligibility criteria (if available)
Eligible projects are those that pursue the four priorities of the EMFAF:
- Fostering sustainable fisheries and the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources.
- Fostering sustainable aquaculture activities, and processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products, thus contributing to food security in the Union.
- Enabling a sustainable blue economy in coastal, island and inland areas, and fostering the development of fishing and aquaculture communities.
- Strengthening international ocean governance and enabling seas and oceans to be safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed.
To determine if your project is eligible for EMFAF support, begin by consulting the national authority responsible for managing the operational programme in your country. Then, follow the relevant application procedures. This will allow the managing authority to verify your project’s eligibility and assess whether it aligns the relevant selection criteria and investment priorities.
Further information on eligibility criteria
Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1139 outlines the eligibility criteria for support from the EMFAF.
Actions supported: FAQ - What are the main actions supported by the EMFAF?
Application period
Relevant information on the application period is published by the relevant national authorities in charge of managing the operation programmes in Member States.
Technology readiness level (TRL)
Not specified – Contact the relevant national authorities for more information
