Fishing Blue “Support to the fishing sector in Albania” held its closing event
In the premises of Durrës Port it was held the concluding activity of the Fishing Blue Project “Support for the fishing sector in Albania” financed by the European Union with 3.4 million euros.
In the activity participated the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Frida Krifca, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union in Albania, Mrs. Christiane Hohmann; President of the Foundation of the Italian Merchant Marine Academy (FAIMM), Mr. Eugenio Massolo; Captain Massimo di Marco of the Italian Coast Guard as well as Project equipment and staff.
In her speech, Minister Krifca emphasized that the Fishing Blue Project, through its grant scheme, has given the fishing sector in Albania an important support in terms of safe navigation and sustainability of the sector. The Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union, Mrs. Hohmann underlined the importance of the fishing sector in Albania and stated that there have been results in three main directions “Institutionally, as it strengthened the Government’s ability to design and implement inclusive policies. Economically, the economic efficiency of the fishing fleet was increased through a 1.5 million euro grant services scheme for fishermen. Finally, socially, by raising awareness of the protection of fisheries resources from illegal, unregulated and uncontrolled fishing”.
President of the Foundation of the Italian Merchant Marine Academy, Eugenio Massolo emphasized in his speech that “beyond the modernization of the fishing fleet, we hope that this project – which was concluded today – will be a springboard for funding opportunities in the fishing sector, as part of the promotion of the blue economy that aims to protect the environment and work technology in this sector as well.”
Captain Massimo di Marco emphasized the importance of cooperation in the fishing sector in order to exchange experiences and good practices and to efficiently implement the legislation in force.
In the second session of the closing ceremony of this project, the project manager Massimo Gacci and the experts engaged in this project, Roberto Ridolfi and Alberico Simioli, pointed out the results of the project in terms of the alignment of legislation with the EU, capacity building and improvement of the sailing conditions of the fishing vessels through the grants provided.
During the 4 years of implementation of the Fishing Blue Project, the project team has assisted in legislative revisions; the drafting of the concept map for the pilot fishing port in Vlora; the planning of sustainable areas allocated for aquaculture according to international guidelines and standards; the training of the Ministry’s staff of Agriculture and Rural Development; updating the database and renewing IT equipment to increase the capacity of the Ministry to manage the Fishing Fleet Register; training and raising awareness of local communities to promote the protection of marine resources, empowering local businesses through grants schemes to support the Fishing Fleet, etc.
Through specific grants, the Fishing Blue Project “Support for the fisheries sector in Albania” funded by European Union has helped the fishery sector to make investments concerning the safety, energy saving and better cold storage.
In total 114 Albanian fishermen with a budget of 1.5 million euros have invested in their fishing vessels thanks to the support of the Fishing Blue program throughout the three grant scheme calls.
Follow the video testimonials concerning the investments made thanks to the grants of the Fishing Blue program.
Interview conducted with Mr. Riccardo Rigillo, General Director of Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food, Forestry Policies and Tourism broadcasted in Albanian Radio Television (RTSH)
In the interview conducted by Mr. Riccardo Rigillo on Albanian Radio Television (TVSH) the most important outcomes of the Fishing Blue project “Support for the Fishing Sector in Albania” were discussed. Alignment of legislation with the acquis of the European Union, training and support with necessary expertise to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and support and management of funds and financing in the fishing sector are some of the most important achievements of the Fishing Blue project.
During the interview Mr. Rigillo emphasized the importance of the blue economy where fishing sector plays a key role and affects other sectors of the economy such as transport, energy or biodiversity. “Albania has an untapped potential in the fishing sector due to the fact that the focus is in the land. For this reason, I say that Albania has an extraordinary potential in this sector” stressed, among other things, Mr. Rigillo. At the end of the interview Mr. Rigillo appreciated the excellent cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture in function of the successful implementation of the Fishing Blue Projects.
"Fishing Blue" Project: The beneficiaries of the third call for grants in the fishing sector are announced
In the premises of the Port of Shengjin, the activity on the signing of contracts with the 46 winning fishermen of the Third Call for Grants in the fishing sector, took place.
In the activity participated the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms. Frida Krifca, Head of Cooperation in the Delegation of the European Union in Albania, Mr. Hubert Perr; The President of the Foundation of the Italian Merchant Marine Academy (FAIMM), Mr. Eugenio Massolo and the Local Coordinator of the Project, Mr. Arjan Palluqi.
In her speech, Minister Krifca stated that: “There are 46 beneficiaries of grants for investments in ships. We will continue support for increasing food security and reducing environmental impact. In the future, more than 1.6 million Euros will be offered to fishermen”.
The representative of the European Union Delegation, after underlining the importance of the fishing sector in Albania, said that ” Through our common policy, we support the preservation of the fish stocks, protection of marine environment, economic viability of EU fleets and quality food for consumers..”
The President of the Foundation of the Italian Merchant Marine Academy, Eugenio Massolo emphasized in his speech that “Beyond the modernization and implementation of the fishing fleet, we hope this project can be the springboard for future strong opportunities for “blended” fundings in the fisheries sector in the context of promoting the Blue Economy aimed at protect the environment and create jobs in the sector.”
The activity was concluded with the signing of contracts with the 46 fishermen that will benefit from the third call grants.
This activity was organised in the framework of the IPA 2016 Project “Fishing Blue – Support for the fisheries sector in Albania”, which is implemented by Fondazione Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile (FAIMM).
Interview of Mr. Roberto Ridolfi, FAIMM fisheries expert, on the Albanian Radio Television (RTSH)concerning the launching of the Third Call for Grants published by the Fishing Blue Project
In the interview Mr. Roberto Ridolfi discussed the importance of financing in the fishery sector. The launching of the third-party grants is good news for the fishing community as they participate in their community and in their fishing sites.
Through specific grants, the Project “Fishing Blue – Support for the fisheries sector in Albania” aims to provide investments related to: sustainable fishing. (E.g selective fishing nets) navigation safety (as radio-satellite), food safety (e.g. refrigerated rooms), environmental pollution (e.g. new engines).
During the interview Mr. Ridolfi highlighted some of the Blue Fishing projects in terms of training and working expertise with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as supporting the fishery community through grants.
"Fishing Blue" Project: Information meeting on the Third Call for Grants in the fisheries sector was organized
An information meeting on the Third Call for Grants in the fisheries sector was held on June 10 at the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).
The event was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. Frida Krifca, Head of Operations for Sustainable Economic and Social Development in the Delegation of the European Union to Albania, Mr. Andrea Vera; Fishing Blue Project “Support for the Fisheries Sector in Albania” Team Leader, Mr. Lucio Trifiletti; The Local Project Coordinator, Mr. Arjan Palluqi and two Italian experts in the field of financing and fisheries, respectively Mr. Roberto Ridolfi and Mr. Alberico Simioli.
In her speech, Minister Krifca said: “Through this financial support we aim to enable the increase of safety of fishermen aboard fishing vessels during the voyage, improve the economic performance of fishing enterprises by adopting measures aimed at saving energy , as well as reducing the negative impacts on the environment related to water pollution and stock protection”.
The representative of the European Union Delegation, after underlining the importance of the fisheries sector in Albania, said that “the EU aim in this action is to create the conditions for the sector to become environmentally, economically and socially sustainable while being a significant source of healthy food for consumers. ”
The expert Roberto Ridolfi, President of COOPI (Italian Agency for International Cooperation for Sustainable Development) and a key former officer of the European Commission, highlighted the strong opportunities for “blended” fundings in the fisheries sector in the context of promoting the Blue Economy aimed at protect the environment and create jobs in the sector.
The Leader of the Fishing Blue Project Team, Mr. Lucio Trifiletti, praised the cooperation so far with the Ministry of Agriculture, for the successful progress of the project while the local project coordinator, Mr. Arjan Palluqi emphasized the importance of funding in the fisheries sector in terms of modernization of the fishing fleet and the sustainability of the sector. In conclusion, the Project expert Mr. Alberico Simioli highlighted some of the achievements of previous two grant calls and invited the fishing community to apply for the current call by June 30th as a very good opportunity to improve and increase safety on board.
This activity was organised in the framework of the IPA 2016 Project “Fishing Blue – Support for the fisheries sector in Albania”, which is implemented by Fondazione Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile (FAIMM).
A reportage by the Albanian Radio Television (RTSH) concerning the Event of promoting the Manual “Inspection at Sea” organized in the framework of the Fishing Blue Project “Support for the Fisheries Sector in Albania”.
Fishing Blue Project: Awareness trainings are organized in the ports of Vlora, Durrës and Shengjin concerning the legislation in the fishing sector
On December 6, 7 and 9, 2021 at the premises of ports of Vlora, Durrës and Shëngjin trainings of the fishing community concerning the fishing legislation and special regulations in force, took place. During the trainings the Local Project Coordinator, Mr. Arian Palluqi presented the latest publication “Summary of legislation in the field of fisheries” drafted in the framework of the Fishing Blue Project “Support to the Fishery Sector in Albania”. Furthermore in the training sessions were discussed about the changes in the field of fishing legislation and the implementation process in the most important ports of the country.
"Fishing Blue" Project: Presentation of the "Inspection at Sea” Manual
In the premises of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development was held on 16th December a meeting presenting the Operational Manual “Inspection at sea” with fisheries inspectors.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), Mr. Roland Kristo; Head of Operations for Sustainable Economic and Social Development in the Delegation of the European Union in Albania, Mr. Andrea Vera; Team Leader of the Fishing Blue Project “Support to the Fisheries Sector in Albania”, Mr. Lucio Trifiletti; Local Project Coordinator Mr. Arjan Palluqi and two Italian experts in the field of fisheries.
Deputy Minister Roland Kristo in his speech focused on the importance of the outcomes produced by the Fishing Blue Project, which is being implemented in MARD for more than three years. According to him, through the results of the project, some of the recommendations of the European Commission in the Progress Annual Reports for Albania in the fisheries sector, are being addressed. Furthermore the arrival of two ships next year funded by the European Union will contribute to the quality of inspections and control of the Albanian coast.
The representative of the European Delegation in Albania, Mr. Andrea Vera emphasized that the “Inspection at Sea” Manual will serve as a mechanism to increase the performance of inspectors during their inspections at sea.
The Team Leader of the Fishing Blue Project, Mr. Lucio Trifiletti, praised the cooperation so far with the Ministry of Agriculture, for the successful progress of the project. This activity according to Mr. Trifiletti is evidence of the sustainability element of the Fishing Blue Project where the results produced during this project will ensure continuity even after the Project is closed.
The local coordinator of the project, Mr. Arjan Palluqi stressed the importance of trainings to harmonize the procedures of sea inspections with those of EU member states.
The Italian Expert in Marine Ecology, Mr. Mario Sbrana, stated that “The Manual is organized according to the content of that produced by the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) and this is important as it will serve to harmonize control activities and inspection within the same country ”.
The Italian biologist, Mr. Claudio Viva during his speech underlined, among other things, the fact that “The manual and training are oriented to guide fisheries inspectors towards efficient performance in the monitoring control and surveillance, in order to contribute to good fisheries management, ensuring compliance and the use of appropriate controls. “
In the afternoon session, the Italian experts organized a training session with the inspectors of the Ministry of Agriculture where the content of the Inspection Manual was analyzed.
This activity took place in the framework of the IPA 2016 Project “Fishing Blue – Support for the fisheries sector in Albania”, which is implemented by Fondazione Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile (FAIMM).
"Fishing Blue" Project: Awareness meeting on Fishing data collection and its interpretation for the environmental sustainability was organized
On 10th of November 2021, in the premises of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment of the Agricultural University of Tirana, an awareness meeting was held concerning the collection and interpretation of sustainable fisheries data.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister Roland Kristo, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment Mr. Edmond Hala, the Team Leader of the Fishing Blue Project “Support to the Fisheries Sector in Albania” Mr. Lucio Trifiletti, as well as experts on the collection and interpretation of fishery data from Italy and the Agricultural University of Tirana.
The Deputy Minister of Agriculture stressed the importance of collecting and interpreting fisheries data for a sustainable fisheries management. Commitment in this direction, according to him, is essential not only because it is a request of organisations such as the European Union or the General Commission for Fisheries in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, but above all this collection enables us to design genuine policies in the fisheries sector, especially in terms of defining quotas.
At the end of his speech, Mr. Kristo invited the students that were present in the auditorium to commit in studying in “Aquaculture and fisheries management” as excellent students will have the opportunity to be employed in the fisheries sector of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Mr. Edmond Hala, in his speech stressed the fact that the Agricultural University of Tirana in its 70-year history, has opened for two decades the branch of “Aquaculture and fisheries management”, which supplies with fishing and aquaculture specialists the central and local level of public administration including the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. Further Mr. Hala stressed the importance of the fisheries sector in the economy of our country in general and in the contribution to the agricultural sector in particular.
The meeting continued with presentations by Italian experts and the expert of the Agricultural University of Tirana on the importance of collecting fisheries data based on EU standards and the contribution of research in this regard.
This activity was organised in the framework of the IPA 2016 Project “Fishing Blue – Support for the fisheries sector in Albania”, which is implemented by Fondazione Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile (FAIMM).
Durres: Second Call contract signing with the fisherman
Through specific grants, the project “Fishing Blue – Support for the fisheries sector in Albania” aims to help the Albanian fisheries sector to make investments concerning the increase of the safety of fishermen on the board of fishing vessels during navigation; improve the economic performance of the fishing enterprises by adopting measures aiming at energy saving and better cold storage of the catch, and decreasing the negative impacts on the environment related to water pollution and stock protection.
In the second grant call which was closed on 20 July 2021, 34 applications were approved with a total project value of 1 254 255 €. The contribution of the European Union for the second call of grants is 627 127 €.
Mr. Arian Palluqi, the Local Coordinator of the Project was present during the signature of the contract with the winning fishermen of the Second Call.
Shengjin: Second Call contract signing with the fisherman
Through specific grants, the project “Fishing Blue – Support for the fisheries sector in Albania” aims to help the Albanian fisheries sector to make investments concerning the increase of the safety of fishermen on the board of fishing vessels during navigation; improve the economic performance of the fishing enterprises by adopting measures aiming at energy saving and better cold storage of the catch, and decreasing the negative impacts on the environment related to water pollution and stock protection.
In the second grant call which was closed on 20 July 2021, 34 applications were approved with a total project value of 1 254 255 €. The contribution of the European Union for the second call of grants is 627 127 €.
Present at the moment of signing the contract with the winning fishermen of the Second Call was the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mrs. Milva Ekonomi and Deputy Minister Roland Kristo.
Vlora: Second Call contract signing with the fisherman
Through specific grants, the project “Fishing Blue – Support for the fisheries sector in Albania” aims to help the Albanian fisheries sector to make investments concerning the increase of the safety of fishermen on the board of fishing vessels during navigation; improve the economic performance of the fishing enterprises by adopting measures aiming at energy saving and better cold storage of the catch, and decreasing the negative impacts on the environment related to water pollution and stock protection.
In the second grant call which was closed on 20 July 2021, 34 applications were approved with a total project value of 1 254 255 €. The contribution of the European Union for the second call of grants is 627 127 €.
Mr. Arian Palluqi, the Local Coordinator of the Project was present during the signature of the contract with the winning fishermen of the Second Call.
Activities
“Fishing Blue” project, 11 fishery inspectors certified as national observers on tuna vessels
This activity was organised in the framework of the IPA 2016 Project “Fishing Blue – Support for the fisheries sector in Albania“, which is implemented by Fondazione Accademia Italiana della Marina Mercantile (FAIMM).
The event was attended by the Minister Milva Economy and Mr. Massimo Gacci, Project Director of the Fishing Blue Project”. During her speech, the Minister of Agriculture Milva Ekonomi emphasized that the fisheries sector is among the sectors with a great contribution to the country’s economy, marking last year an export of 105 million euros. The Minister underlined the fact that the project “Fishing Blue” has conducted an analysis of aquaculture areas and it was decided that together with the Ministries of Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, to create an area for aquaculture, to raise tuna fish.
Project Leader of the Fishing Blue “Support for the Fisheries Sector in Albania”, Mr. Massimo Gacci, praised the cooperation so far with the Ministry of Agriculture and stressed that with the resumption of project activities, slowed down due to COVID-19, training for national observers on tuna vessels will be ongoing.
The training of fishery inspectors took place in the period 10-13 May 2021 and aimed at acquainting participants with the tasks of the National Observer on a tuna fishing boat, daily activities during the tuna fishing campaign as well as the knowledge and use of technical documentation in this typology of fishing.
The National Tuna Observer Manual, translated into Albanian, will assist national observers in improving tuna management and protection.