The order is an emergency measure put in place by the government to mitigate economic losses suffered by the sector due to the actions of the Gibraltar authorities preventing them from exercising rights with their fishing boats.
The Ministry has issued a budget of €900,000, of which €300,000 are earmarked for 2013 and the remaining €600,000 for next year. The minimum aid, under Regulation (EC) of the Commission, allows shipping companies to pay an amount that can reach a gross maximum of €30,000 for a period of three years.
These grants are established for an initial period of six months, starting from 1 August 2013 until 31 January 2014, inclusive and extendable for another six months, if the situation persists.
The beneficiaries of these grants will be the owners or operators of vessels belonging to the Fishermen's Guilds in Algeciras and Linea de la Concepcion, and Producers Association of Shipowners of Algeciras.
Fleets that operate in waters adjacent to the Rock of Gibraltar are also eligible as they are affected by the inability to fish in parts of that area and by restricted access to their traditional fishing grounds.
