14th June 2007 Latest Fisheries Funding Announced by Defra
Defra are currently promoting two funding packages, one directly targetted at marine fisheries research and science and the other for marine environments impacted by aggregates extraction. These are the Fisheries Challenge Fund which is managed directly by Defra and the Marine Environment Protection Fund, part of the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund , which is to be managed by CEFAS.
Fisheries Challenge Fund:
Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) has allocated £300,000 this year for science projects aiming to improve fisheries management and to enable fishermen and other interested parties to get involved in fisheries research.
Under the scheme, proposals should be consistent with the Defra and CFP objective of sustainable fisheries and address a fisheries management issue that is relevant to part of the UK fishing industry.
Proposals can include all types of research and analysis - including but not limited to biological, social and economic studies. Project duration can last from a few months to over a year, with priority given to short-term projects.
Priority will be given to:
Proposals which involve an element of stakeholder contribution (for example making vessel time available for project work).
Projects costing £5,000 - £50,000.
Proposals supporting Regional Advisory Councils' (RACs') work, as the UK Government has identified the provision of effective practical support to RACs as a high priority.
Applications for funds will be assessed on a case by case basis. Assessment criteria are being discussed with stakeholders and will be available on the Defra website shortly.
Defra must receive proposals by 1 October 2007 and projects should be completed by 31 March 2008. Further information including application forms can be requested from the Sea Fisheries Conservation team at Defra.
Tel: 020 72708151
Email: racs@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Marine Environment Protection Fund - Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund:
The Marine Environment Protection Fund provides grants to support projects that manage the impact of marine aggregates extraction and its effect on biodiversity.
Financial assistance is available to support projects aimed at reducing the effect of aggregate extraction and projects that increase biodiversity and conserve important geological features.
The Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) was introduced in April 2002 and is the responsibility of Defra. The Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) has been appointed by Defra to distribute the Marine Environment Protection Fund (MEPF) element of the ALSF, with the objective of promoting more environmentally friendly aggregates extraction in the marine environment.
The next application deadline is 29 June 2007. Further information can be obtained from the following web link: http://www.alsf-mepf.org.uk/
Jason Watts 14th June 2007
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