part of the broader initiative is to reduce the impact of fisheries on the natural environment while not compromising the profitability and competitiveness of the sector onboard innovations such as sustainable fishing gear and facilities to aid processing and survival of bycatch are financed strong emphasis on technological solutions and knowledge transfer is seen as a solution to reviving the industry the initiatives include for example investments in research on fuel saving demersal gear and testing its environmental effects the objectives within this priority are laid down in the national strategic plan part of the remaining budget is intended to fill the knowledge gap related to marine litter and underwater noise an important issues pertaining to the marine environment