The WWF is run at a local level by the following offices...
- WWF Global
- Adria
- Argentina
- Armenia
- AsiaPacific
- Australia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belgium
- Bhutan
- Bolivia
- Borneo
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Canada
- Caucasus
- Central African Republic
- Central America
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- European Policy Office
- Finland
We at WWF Adria understand how important it is to have good vessels and equipment for fishing. That's why we want to inform you about a great opportunity: The Fisheries and Aquaculture Program of Croatia for the programming period 2021-2027, which offers non-repayable funds in fisheries.
This program provides funds to fishers aimed at developing fisheries that protect both fish and fishers. On this page, you can learn more about the available finances and opportunities, why sustainable fishing is important, and how WWF Adria can help you get involved.
We are committed to preserving the Adriatic Sea and the sustainable development of its communities, with fisheries playing an extremely important role. We understand the challenges faced by small scale fishers, and therefore we offer you:
Technical assistance in writing projects
Our team of experts provides guidance throughout the application process and guides you through the entire process from idea to implementation.
Financial support
We offer you micro-loans for pre-financing projects approved by the Fisheries Administration.
If you wish to apply, download, sign (certify with a stamp if applicable), and fill out the "Questionnaire" form for application and send it along with other scanned documentation via email to: poticaji@wwfadria.org, with the subject "EMFAF INCENTIVES", no later than April 26, 2024.
Key priorities include increasing energy efficiency, enhancing selectivity (such as increasing the size of fish traps and nets), and supporting various sustainability-aligned activities. Therefore, we urge you to carefully review the main criteria.
To ensure that it's not all just theory, take a look at what we have accomplished thus far. In the previous funding cycle from 2014 to 2020, we provided technical assistance to fishermen in writing and submitting applications. This support enabled as many as 15 fishers to receive a total of around 1.3 million euros.
"I have successfully implemented two projects that I applied for with the assistance of WWF Adria for measures I.8. 'Protection of health and safety' and I.20. 'Energy efficiency and climate change mitigation' grant programs.
Through Measure I.20., I improved the hydrodynamics of the vessel by upgrading the bow section of the keel, installing spoilers and side fins, and correcting the curvature of the stern part of the boat. Additionally, I installed an autopilot and solar panels. These investments significantly enhanced the energy efficiency of the vessel, reduced fuel consumption, and thereby operational costs, contributing to the sustainability of my business.
To enhance safety and conditions on board, I modernized the entire cabin, including electrical installations, windows, doors, and upgraded the bathroom. I also installed an anti-slip surface and fences on the roof of the cabin and deck through Measure I.8.
In addition to providing technical assistance for project application, WWF Adria co-financed the projects with 15% of the total investment, while the remaining 85% was obtained through the Operational Program for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries."
"Thanks to the support of WWF Adria in the development and submission of projects, as well as their co-financing of 20% of the total investment, four projects I applied for under the Operational Program for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of the Republic of Croatia for the programming period 2014–2020 were approved.
One of these projects was the procurement of a set of 300 new shrimp trawls through Measure I.1. 'Innovations.' On these trawls, I increased the eye diameter from 36mm to 40mm, in line with the competition requirements. The result of this activity was the implementation of a more selective tool for catching larger shrimp specimens, resulting in increased market value of the catch, reduced discard, and establishment of collaboration with a scientific institution. Specifically, the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, as a partner in the project, confirmed the positive impact of introducing a more selective tool on shrimp stocks.
More selective tools will certainly contribute to the preservation of stocks and sustainable fisheries. Therefore, I invite all colleagues to take advantage of this opportunity through the Program for Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Republic of Croatia."
Considering the expected high number of applications and limited capacity for technical assistance, as well as the budget for pre-financing, the eligibility of candidates will be determined based on a scoring system, which you can find on this website. Scoring will be based on responses from the Questionnaire.
WWF Adria reserves the right to define the maximum levels of support in accordance with the budget available. Additionally, pre-financing will be adjusted according to the indicative schedule of calls for proposals by the Fisheries Directorate."
1. Application for support for technical assistance and/or pre-financing through the Questionnaire.
2. Selection of candidates based on the Scoring List and in accordance with the responses from the Questionnaire (notification of selection will be published on the website and sent via email).
3. Project development.
4. Submission of project proposals to calls for proposals under the Program for Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Republic of Croatia for the period 2021-2027.
5. Issuance of the Decision on allocation of funds by the Fisheries Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture.
6. Submission of documentation required for pre-financing.
7. Signing of pre-financing agreements and disbursement of funds.
8. Execution and monitoring of project activities.
9. Disbursement of funds from the Program for Fisheries and Aquaculture.
10. Repayment of pre-financing funds.
The Program for Fisheries and Aquaculture of the Republic of Croatia for the programming period 2021-2027 aims to assist fishermen in enhancing the sustainability of fisheries. Co-financing endeavors to stimulate the economy, protect the environment, and support local communities. For small-scale coastal fishermen, the non-repayable funds from the Program are a crucial opportunity to receive support for the development of sustainable and selective fishing practices, thereby aiding in the preservation of a healthy fish stock for the future. By applying, you can access non-repayable funds to develop your business in a sustainable and profitable direction.