Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92003E0417

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-0417/03 by Catherine Stihler (PSE) to the Commission. Availability of research grants in aquaculture.** 
  
*Official Journal 242 E , 09/10/2003 P. 0130 - 0130*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0417/03

by Catherine Stihler (PSE) to the Commission

(17 February 2003)

Subject: Availability of research grants in aquaculture

The UK statutory body responsible for regulating and developing the seafish industry the Seafish Industry Authority has decided to sell or close their aquaculture research plant at Ardtoe, Ardnamurchan, Scotland. The timing of the announcement seems most unfortunate given the huge reduction in wild-caught cod and haddock quotas, and the need for further research both on reducing the environmental impacts of aquaculture and diversification into species now threatened in the wild.

Could the Commission inform us on the availability of research grants in aquaculture?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(31 March 2003)

In general terms, European research, including on aquaculture, is supported by Commission through the Research Framework Programmes.

Under the Sixth Framework Programme, research in aquaculture is covered by Thematic Priority 5 Food quality and safety, the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specific measures, and in particular Priority 8, Scientific support to policy.

Under priority 5, issues related to the quality and safety of aquaculture products, relying on fully controlled and integrated production systems, are included.

SME's specific research activities are designed to expand the knowledge base of large communities of SMEs (collective research) and to meet specific problems or needs of a more limited number of SMEs by performing transnational Research and Technological Development (R & TD) projects (cooperative research CRAFT).

The objectives of policy-oriented research under Priority 8 are defined to support the Common Fisheries Policy including issues related to the improvement of health and environmental standards of aquaculture production.

It should be noted that Community funding is granted on a project basis, and can not guarantee the long-term operation of research facilities.

All information related to the Sixth Framework Programme is available at: http://fp6.cordis.lu/fp6/home.cfm.

Moreover, Concerning fellowships, there are a number of possibilities of training and transfer of knowledge fellowship schemes within the Human Resource and Mobility actions (Marie Curie Actions) of the framework programme. All of these actions are bottom-up, i.e. they are open to all fields of research, whether or not within the priority areas of the framework programme. Information of Marie Curie actions is available at: http://europa.eu.int/mariecurie-actions.

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