Funding for the Sustainable Development of the Lower Saxony North Sea Coast Fisheries Area

Last updated: 14.6.2025
Grant

The State of Lower Saxony offers a grant for the sustainable development of the Lower Saxony North Sea Coast Fisheries Area. This program, financed by the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), supports projects aimed at strengthening fisheries and aquaculture. It is characterized by a bottom-up approach, where local Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAG) are significantly involved in project selection.

Who is Funded

This funding program targets natural persons and legal entities under public and private law who plan projects for the sustainable development of the Lower Saxony North Sea Coast Fisheries Area. The goal is to support local fisheries and the fish industry by utilizing and strengthening social, ecological, cultural, and human resources.

What is Funded

The program promotes measures for the sustainable development of the Lower Saxony North Sea Coast Fisheries Area that comply with the approved strategy. This includes preparatory measures, administration and evaluation of the strategy, its implementation, and cooperation activities. Excluded are, among other things, operating costs, short-lived assets, and the purchase of patents.

Type and Scope of Funding

The program offers non-repayable grants as co-financing. The funding amount varies depending on the applicant type and project nature but can reach up to 100% of eligible expenses. Funding consists of EMFAF funds and state funds, with public-law applicants required to contribute their own funds.

Conditions and Requirements

Applicants must meet various legal and substantive requirements, including the project's compliance with the German EMFAF program and the strategy of the local Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG). Provisions regarding economic viability, data declaration, and document retention must also be observed. Specific procurement rules apply to private beneficiaries.

Application Procedure

The application must be submitted to the Chamber of Agriculture of Lower Saxony before the start of the measure. Eligible projects are selected by the Local Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) according to specific criteria. After selection by the FLAG, projects are forwarded to the granting authority for final review and approval.

The funding is based on the “Guideline on the Granting of Subsidies for the Promotion of Sustainable Development of the Lower Saxony North Sea Coast Fisheries Area within the Framework of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)”. This guideline is supplemented by further EU regulations and the German EMFAF program and is part of the State Budget Ordinance.

Similar Programs

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Funding Overview

Funding Status

Funding Status:

Open

Maximum Amount

Maximum Amount:

Up to 100% of eligible expenses

Deadline

Deadline:

always open

Open Until

Open Until:

31.12.2029

Award Channel

Award Channel:

Shared Management Subsidies

Region

Region:

Lower Saxony North Sea Coast (Leer District: Municipality of Jemgum; Aurich District: Municipality of Krummhörn, City of Norden, Municipality of Dornum; Wittmund District: Joint Municipality of Esens, City of Wittmund; Friesland District: Municipality of Wangerland, City of Varel; Wesermarsch District: Municipality of Butjadingen, City of Brake (Unterweser); Cuxhaven District: City of Cuxhaven, Municipality of Wurster Nordseeküste)

Sectors

Sectors:

Agriculture and Agribusiness, Environmental and Climate Protection, Service Sector, Other

Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries:

Fisheries Sector

Application Type

Application Type:

Optional Consortium

Funding Stages

Funding Stages:

Planning, Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation, Other

Funding Provider

Program Level:

Regional

Funding Body:

Lower Saxony Ministry for Food, Agriculture, and Consumer Protection

Managed By:

Chamber of Agriculture of Lower Saxony

Additional Partners:

Local Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG)

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