The Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has set up an Aquaculture Fund to finance small projects aimed at promoting and protecting the environment, including initiatives for the conservation of the zones around and within the vicinity where aquaculture activities are carried out. The scope is to minimise the impact aquaculture may have on the surrounding ecosystems. These initiative project proposals may take the form of: sustainable operational processes, protection and conservation of biodiversity, waste management and reduction of waste generation, promotion of green and renewable energy sources, alternative tourism, educational studies, promotion of research and development, etc. The Aquaculture Fund is a requirement established in the Aquaculture Operations Regulation, S.L. 425.12 (https://legislation.mt/eli/sl/425.12/eng/pdf). Eligibility The fund is available to the following beneficiaries: - Organisations being part of the public administration in accordance with the Public Administration Act; - Students registered with a licensed and accredited further and higher education institution as recognised by the Malta Further and Higher Education Authority; and - Voluntary Organisations registered in accordance with the Voluntary Organisations Act. Each project may benefit from a maximum amount of €10,000, and must be completed within two years from acceptance of proposal. How to apply All those interested are to submit an application together with a detailed and clear description of their proposal, which description must also include the specific aim of the project and its contribution towards the criteria outlined in the application. The CV of the main applicant must also be submitted together with the proposal. New projects in 2026 are to be submitted during the following dates: - 23-30 March 2026; and - 22-30 September 2026 All applications are to be addressed to the Aquaculture Fund Board. The applicants are to call on 22926933 for an appointment to submit their application, which submission is to be done by hand at the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Agriculture Research and Innovation Hub (Għammieri), Marsa, within the dates mentioned above. For more information about the proposal criteria, the application and the relative terms of reference, please click on this link.