1st December 2007
£97million boost for UK fishing and seafood industries

Fishing and seafood industries will be able to bid for a share of almost £100million worth of grants from next year under a new European scheme. This amount will be boosted by additional funding from government.
The UK has been allocated approximately £97million, more than £30million of which has been earmarked to boost local economies such as Cornwall, to finance projects under the European Fisheries Fund.
UK Fisheries Ministers have agreed to divide the money as follows:

England                  £26.42m
Scotland                 £26.42m
Northern Ireland         £12.76m
Wales                     £1.07m

Separate funds will be available for Cornwall (£7.3m), West Wales (£10.68m), and the Scottish Highlands and Islands (£12.41m). All figures are approximate.

The grant scheme is designed to help modernise and improve the sustainability and competitiveness of the fishing industry.
UK Fisheries Minister Jonathan Shaw said:

"This money will make a difference throughout the industries and the supply chain, investing in projects that will boost business and improve long-term prospects for many people across the UK."

Details of the timetable and how to apply for grants will be announced by the Fisheries Administrations, following a consultation on priorities for the funds early next year.

Jason Watts – Press Officer
e-mail: press@ifm.org.uk or j.watts@ifm.org.uk