£8m of EU and Scottish Government funding for seafood sector
2nd March 2017
Sea fisheries, aquaculture and processing businesses will receive more than £8m of EU and Scottish government funding, including £1.6m for projects in Shetland, to boost growth, protect jobs and develop sustainability.
The latest round of the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) will deliver 41 projects, which will contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries and marine ecosystems and help businesses upgrade or modernise their equipment, and move into new markets.
Fisheries secretary Fergus Ewing announced funding on a visit to Lerwick to meet the Shetland Fishermen’s Association (SFA), which is one of seven projects in Shetland to receive funding. It will get more than £11,500 to improve safety equipment for its South Shore Fishing Association vessels.
Other projects benefitting from the EMFF include Box Pool Solutions, which will receive nearly £1.2m for its new facility and box-washing equipment.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation will receive £1.8m for its independent on-board observer scheme, which supports initiatives to address potential problems related to discard bans.
Fergus Ewing said: “This £8m investment will encourage growth and protect jobs in the sea fisheries and aquaculture industry by allowing businesses to upgrade technology and buy new equipment.
“This is just one example of why EU funding is so important, as it is helping the sea fisheries sector improve the quality of its products and enabling them to develop more environmentally friendly methods.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to overcome the damage Brexit will cause to jobs, trade, education and to our public services. In everything we do, we will continue to champion our shared interests and provide reassurances to fishing communities.”
SFA executive officer Simon Collins said: “The safety of fishermen is paramount, and this association has long championed the welfare of its members. We’re pleased to be receiving financial support to further our goals in this area.”
Of the £8m, £6m of the funding will come from the EU, £1.5m from the Scottish government and £0.5m from other public sources.
The full list of projects receiving investment from the EMFF is available at: gov.scot/Topics/marine/ grants-subsidies/awards
