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Protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems and compensation regimes in the framework of sustainable fishing activities

1. In order to protect and restore marine biodiversity and ecosystems in the framework of sustainable fishing activities, with the participation, where relevant, of fishermen, the EMFF may support the following operations:

(a) the collection of waste by fishermen from the sea such as the removal of lost fishing gear and marine litter;

(b) the construction, installation or modernisation of static or movable facilities intended to protect and enhance marine fauna and flora, including their scientific preparation and evaluation;

(c) contributions to a better management or conservation of marine biological resources;

(d) the preparation, including studies, drawing-up, monitoring and updating of protection and management plans for fishery-related activities relating to NATURA 2000 sites and spatial protection measures referred to in Directive 2008/56/EC and relating to other special habitats;

(e) the management, restoration and monitoring of NATURA 2000 sites in accordance with Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC, in accordance with prioritised action frameworks established pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC;

(f) the management, restoration and monitoring of marine protected areas with a view to the implementation of the spatial protection measures referred to in Article 13(4) of Directive 2008/56/EC;

(g) increasing environmental awareness, involving fishermen, with regard to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity;

(h) schemes for compensation for damage to catches caused by mammals and birds protected by Directives 92/43/EEC and 2009/147/EC;

(i) the participation in other actions aimed at maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as the restoration of specific marine and coastal habitats in support of sustainable fish stocks, including their scientific preparation and evaluation.

2. Support under point (h) of paragraph 1 shall be subject to the formal recognition of such schemes by the competent authorities of the Member States. Member States shall also ensure that no overcompensation for damage occurs as a result of the combination of Union, national and private compensation schemes.

3. The operations referred to in this Article may be implemented by scientific or technical public law bodies, Advisory Councils, fishermen or organisations of fishermen which are recognised by the Member State, or by non-governmental organisations in partnership with organisations of fishermen or in partnership with FLAGs.

4. The Commission shall be empowered to adopt delegated acts, in accordance with Article 126, specifying the costs which are eligible for support under paragraph 1 of this Article.