Portugal invests in support for the blue bioeconomy sector

Investment in support to boost the blue economy and, in particular, the blue bioeconomy in Portugal is gaining prominence with the Mar 2030 and Compete 2030 programmes making substantial funds available to promote the sustainable development of the sector. The Mar 2030 Programme, aimed specifically at fisheries and aquaculture, brings with it a considerable budget of 539.89 million euros. With an emphasis on four main areas, including sustainable fisheries, innovative aquaculture, the processing of marine products and the protection of marine biodiversity, this programme aims to strengthen and modernise the sector.

A special focus is on aquaculture, with substantial support of around 94 M€ until 2027. Combined with the simplification of procedures for obtaining aquaculture activities, this context aims to provide legal certainty for investors and aquaculture establishments, fostering the sustainable growth of the sector.

Mar 2030 has 17 open calls for economic operators in the fisheries sector, aquaculture, the processing of fisheries and aquaculture products, support for the protection and restoration of biodiversity and marine ecosystems and the implementation of the Integrated Maritime Policy. With an impressive financial package of more than 170 million euros, these calls offer attractive support rates, ranging from 40 per cent to 100 per cent, depending on the nature of the operation. On the other hand, Compete 2030, with a broader scope, has a budget allocation of 3.9 billion euros and focuses on boosting innovation and the digital transition, the climate transition, human capital and business competitiveness. These strategic axes aim to promote sustainability and competitiveness in the global context. This programme currently has 8 open calls, with particular emphasis on support for productive innovation and the internationalisation of SMEs or R&D.

These instruments are decisive for strengthening Portugal in the blue bioeconomy scenario, promoting innovation, sustainability and competitiveness. It is hoped that these initiatives will boost the growth of the maritime sector, transforming it into a key component of the national economy, in line with the principles of the circular economy and environmental conservation.