Audible response
Reopening of the EU Fisheries Fund pool for fishing ports
Enquiry to Minister of Environment and Food Eva Kjer Hansen from Danish Ports about funds for storm protection and access conditions in fishing ports under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Like its predecessor Bodil, Storm Gorm on 29-30 November 2015 caused havoc in several ports, which in many cases are characterized by major tasks with clean-up, repair of damaged infrastructure and facilities, and plans for future protection against storm surges and flooding. In both storms, Thorsminde, Hvide Sande and Thyborøn were particularly affected. All three ports are located in the geographical area determined by the Danish Storm Council on December 1, 2015 to be covered by storm surge. Need for investment in access and storm protection Fishing is an important source of jobs and taxes in fishing communities. The fishing industry relies on modern infrastructure in ports. Not only as landing sites, but also as calm and safe harbor basins with covered quays, loading and unloading equipment, ice plants, good working environment conditions, refrigeration and warehouses. Access to fisheries development funds through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) has previously helped secure investments in fishing port access. This type of investment has been taken out of the existing development program for 2015-2017 under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Applications for the current European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) development program for fishing ports and landing sites opened in early summer 2015. Additional national and EU funds were added to the overall pool, bringing the total pool to DKK 36.5 million for 2015-2017. Grants can amount to a maximum of DKK 3.7 million for a project. Only just over DKK 20 million has been applied for, which means that DKK 16 million remains unused, of which DKK 3.8 million is EU funding. One explanation for the few applications is the ports' focus on larger development projects than the pool's narrow focus on landing obligations and minor facility improvements allows. Opening of new pool with residual funds for access and storm protection This is where storm surges come into the picture. The port's access conditions and calm harbor basins are particularly necessary to be able to retain and attract landings and thus raw materials for the local industry. Danish Ports therefore wants the Minister to take the initiative for a new pool with the remaining funds from the fishing ports' pool aimed at grants for investment in access conditions in ports. The same could apply to other residual or reflux funds under the current program. It is worth noting that the ports themselves cover 50 percent of the total eligible costs of the projects. For example, an investment in flood protection in a small port such as Thorsminde is estimated to cost around DKK 11 million. It's a costly affair that challenges the port's financial sustainability. On the other hand, if the port doesn't invest, it will also lose vessels, as ship owners naturally don't want to run the risk of further damage from storm surges. Funds from the EMFF will act as an investment hedge. Investments in access conditions are generally more extensive in terms of investment, planning and administration. Therefore, it is essential that plenty of time is set aside to put projects out to tender. Danish Ports recommends that a new pool is published and communicated to the fishing ports at least six months before the pool opens for applications. Danske Havne is happy to contribute to a more detailed discussion and looks forward to the Minister's response. For further information, please contact Bjarne Løf Henriksen, Business Policy Consultant for Danish Ports by email blh@danskehavne.dk or phone +45 2116 4045