Fourteen projects were approved or conditionally approved at the third EFF selection panel that was held on the 21 May. In addition, one project was given a time limited approval until February 2010 at which time they can make a new application to the panel.
£100 000 was awarded for a collaborative project between fishermen in the South West and Cefas which will work to reduce fish discards through trawl modifications in the otter trawl fisheries. This project is a good example of proactive efforts from fishermen to develop more environmentally friendly fishing gear.
The North East received a boost with a £2 million award for the refurbishment of the North Shields Western Quay. The project will underpin moves to keep the valuable Nephrop fisheries sustainable by refurbishing the Western Quay, providing facilities at any one time for up to forty vessels needing access to the Quay. It will also provide an area for net mending.
The fund can support a wide range of projects and a traditional cold smokery in the West Country has received a £300,000 grant towards its long term viability. This money will go towards freezer upgrades, Improved IT systems and a new processing line to bring processing back to the site from an external contractor.
The panel did not approve two projects that were submitted, one of which was a multi-million pound request for funding for a new fish market in Newlyn. The business case for this application remained weak, most notably because it centered on only one option for development – a complete new build. It did not examine any options for refurbishment of the existing buildings.
However, the MFA will continue to work with all interested parties to get an application which can be supported.
Ray Hedley, Chair of the England Selection Panel and Head of MFA’s Business Relations Team said: “There were many top quality applications and it is striking to have so many businesses willing to invest their own funds at this difficult economic time. That’s a vote of confidence for sustainable fisheries in England.”
The next EFF Selection Panel will be held on 30 September 2009. Applications to be considered by the panel must be received by 31 July 2009.
