The aim of this independent evaluation study is to feed into an interim evaluation of the implementation of the direct management component of Regulation (EU) No 508/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15.5.2014 on the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2328/2003, (EC) No 861/2006, (EC) No 1198/2006 and (EC) No 791/2007 and Regulation (EU) No 1255/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council (EMFF). It satisfies the need for a midterm review as stipulated in Articles 15 and 125 of that Regulation.

The evaluation findings, conclusions and recommendations will feed into implementation of subsequent direct management spending by the EMFF and possibly an adjustment of the indicative distribution of funds as laid down in Annex III of the EMFF Regulation. In addition, this evaluation will also feed into the ex ante impact assessment of the ‘new EMFF’ for the programming period after 2020 (planned for 2017).

The evaluation covers all actions financed under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund that have started or where a legal commitment has been made, wherever and whenever they take place.

The direct management component is that described in Title VI of this Regulation and includes the following intervention categories:

1. the integrated maritime policy;

2. the collection, management and dissemination of scientific advice under the common fisheries policy;

3. specific control and enforcement measures under the common fisheries policy;

4. voluntary contributions to international organisations;

5. advisory councils;

6. market intelligence;

7. technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission.