Developer | Ministry of Rural Development and Food |
Operator | Directorate-General for Fishery of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food |
Project Promoter | Information Society Technologies Single Member SA |
Beneficiaries | Professionals of the fishery sector Officials of the competent National Audit Authorities of the fisheries sector |
Total Budget | € 6,754,515.6 excluding VAT |
What is the aim of the project?
The success of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of the European Union depends largely on the application of an effective control system. The measures provided for in the institutional framework (regulations, implementing decisions, recommendations, etc.) aim to the application of an integrated control, inspection and sanction system, to ensure compliance with all rules of CFP, with ultimate objective the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector and the sustainable exploitation of living aquatic resources.
During inspections conducted by the competent bodies of the European Commission, weaknesses were detected in the control system, leading to the preparation, together with the Greek Authorities, of an Action Plan, which provides for the implementation of specific corrective actions within a strict timetable.
The operation aims to the strengthening of the national control, monitoring and sanction system.
What does the object include?
The object of the operation includes actions for the upgrading and expansion of the Fishing Operations Monitoring and Recording Integrated System, which, together with the Vessels Monitoring Center, is the main tool of fishing operation data recording and generally covers the requirements of the Control Regulation [Regulation (EC) No 1224/2009 establishing a Community control system for ensuring compliance with the rules of the common fisheries policy].
The basic needs that must be covered by the expansion and upgrading of the Fishing Operations Monitoring and Recording Integrated System concern the ability of coverage of all requirements set out in the update of the Control Regulation, as well as the obligations of the country as indicated in the Audit Report and in the designed Action Plan. In addition, it includes the provision of technical and legal support services to the operator of the Operation (Directorate-General for Fishery). Technical services concern complementary studies / sampling plans / inspection plans, etc., and legal services concern codification of the legislation, adaption of the institutional framework, preparation of drafts for the issuance of administrative acts for the purpose of harmonization of National with EU institutional framework.
The operation will be implemented through 3 sub-projects:
- Sub-project 1: Expansion / Upgrading of Fishing Operations Monitoring and Recording Integrated System
- Sub-project 2: Provision of Services of Technical Support Consultant for the application of the Fisheries Control System
- Sub-project 3: Provision of Services of Legal Support Consultant
What are the expected benefits?
The operation is expected to contribute to the following:
- the modernization of Directorate-General for Fishery of the Ministry of Rural Development
- the harmonization of our country with the applicable European legal and regulatory framework
- the provision of practical instruments for the effective control of Fishery
- the simplification and improvement of specific procedures and faster and more effective communication between the involved departments and Bodies
- the enforcement of common rules on fisheries in Europe
- the existence of a clear dividing line between commercial fishing and recreational fishing
- the establishment of disincentives (fines) for the prevention of over-fishing
- the mid-term and gradual restoration of undersea diversity
The users of the Fisheries Control System are categorized as follows:
- ship masters and ship owners of commercial fishing vessels,
- commercial undertakings engaged: in the first sale of fishery products from vessels obliged to keep an electronic logbook —of unloading— in the processing of fishery products and in aquaculture,
- commercial undertakings engaged in import – export and re-export of fishery products of Third Countries
- officials of the competent National Audit Authorities of the fisheries sector (officials of Directorate-General for Fishery, of Fishery Offices of Regional Units and of the Hellenic Coast Guard)
Who is funding the project?
The project is funded by the Operational Programme “FISHERIES AND SEA”, in the framework of NSRF, by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and National Resources.