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3 Operational Programme Strategy
3.1 Overall objective of the Operational Programme
The overarching aim of fisheries management in the UK is a fisheries industry that is sustainable, profitable, well managed, internationally competitive and helps support thriving, diverse, and sustainable local communities, managed effectively as an integral part of coherent policies for the marine and freshwater environment. Using the analysis set out in the preceding sections, we intend to use the EFF programme to help deliver this aim. This chapter describes the strategic approach to delivering this aim in the context of the Operational Programme.
The overall objective of the Operational Programme is to contribute to the overarching aim of UK fisheries management. To test whether this overall objective is being met, we propose to use the following impact indicators:
Impact indicator | Baseline 2006 | Mid-term objective 2010 | End target 2015 |
|---|
Gross Value Added | £988m 15 | £1030m | £1080m |
|---|
Gross exports from UK | £944m 16 | £1150m | £1400m |
|---|
3.2 Specific objectives of the Operational Programme
The specific objectives of the Operational Programme are intended to allow progress to be made towards the achievement of the overall objective set out above. They also flow from the analysis set out in the preceding chapter and are consistent with the National Strategic Plan (as described in Chapter 5). The objectives are related to four of the elements of the overarching aim: sustainability, profitability, competitiveness and strong communities. They are described below together with related impact indicators.
Sustainability objective - to improve the balance between fishing effort and opportunity
A sustainable, profitable catching sector relies on healthy fish stocks and a healthy marine environment more broadly. One of the greatest threats to these is over-fishing caused by over-capacity. This is defined by the balance of fishing effort and fishing opportunity. Restoring this balance where appropriate will largely be achieved by a reduction in the capacity of the fishing fleet, but also by employing measures that reduce fishing effort.
Indicator | Source of data | Baseline (2007) | Control level (2010) | Target
(2015) |
|---|
Total UK fleet capacity (tonnage of vessels (tonnes)) | Marine and Fisheries Agency | 213,178 | 211,000 | 208,500 |
|---|
Profitability objective - maximise returns
A key driver of profitability is increasing returns from the same inputs. Our objective is to facilitate the increase in profitability, for example by improving the quality and first sale value of products, increasing marketing, developing premium brands and developing new and niche markets. The chosen indicator is GVA per capita employed as there is insufficient data on profitability to use this as an indictor.
Indicator | Source of data | Baseline (2006) | Control level (2010) | Target
(2015) |
|---|
GVA per capita employed. | Office for National Statistics | £36,593 | £38,200 | £40,200 |
|---|
Competitiveness objective - to increase profitability compared to other EU Member States
Fish are a global commodity and UK businesses compete with their counterparts across the world. The comparative performance of UK businesses in this context depends on a range of factors including the efficiency of operations and the wider operating environment.
Indicator | Source of data | Baseline (2007) | Control level (2010) | Target
(2015) |
|---|
GVA per capita employed compared to other EU Member States | [To be developed in discussion with the EU Commission] | | | |
|---|
Community objective - to increase fisheries related employment
The contribution that fisheries related activity makes to communities is diverse, but much depends on providing employment especially in areas where alternatives may be limited. From a local and regional economic development perspective, it is relevant to consider employment dependency, that is, the percentage of total employment within a given area that is related to fisheries employment.
Indicator | Source of data | Baseline (2007) | Control level (2010) | Target
(2015) |
|---|
Dependence on fish catching employment by TTWA | Marine and Fisheries Agency and Annual Business Enquiry | [Statistics being collated] | | |
|---|
3.3 Calendar and intermediary objectives
The duration of the Operational Programme is from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2013. EFF funding can be spent on eligible expenditure incurred from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2015. This timescale is a feature of the funding scheme and reflects the time needed for projects to complete and claim.
As required by Article 67 of EU Regulation 1198/2006, the Managing Authority shall send the Commission an annual report on the programme by 30 June each year. A final report on the implementation of the Operational Programme is to be submitted to the Commission by 31 March 2017.
The mid-term evaluation will be performed in 2010, in accordance with Article 49 of EU Regulation 1198/2006.
In general, the objectives will be measured by result indicators which will be reviewed in conjunction with the mid-term evaluation in 2010. In some cases annual objectives/indicators will be used.
For Axis 4 of the EFF, capacity building support will be granted to local groups to ensure that plans reflect the importance of the fishing industry and communities; to influence projects funded through the other Axes; and to enhance the marine environment. In 2008, work will be undertaken which will inform bids from groups which are expected in early 2009. Progress will be reviewed at the interim evaluation planned during 2010/2011.
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