The largest single grant was £2.3 million for a new fish market in Newlyn, Cornwall. It is subject to assurances from the new Newlyn Harbour Commissioners who are expected to be appointed before Easter.
The new Harbour Commissioners will need to provide assurances that they are content with the project – particularly the match funding required.
Two previous Newlyn applications had been rejected due to problems with the industry’s views, the match funding of the project, and the governance of the harbour. Sufficient progress has been made to allow a provisional grant offer to be made.
In total 11 grant applications were approved by the English EFF panel, chaired by the Marine and Fisheries Agency which met on February 17. Total grant aid, match funding and other investment in the 11 projects represents an estimated £12.6 million investment for the English fishing industry.
Grimsby will benefit from £1.75 million grant aid for fish market improvement and processing facilities.
Other significant grants: Withernsea, East Riding, Yorkshire gets £296,000 for a new slipway; the port of Newhaven £165,000 for new landing stages; Plymouth £79,000 for electronic auction improvements.
Projects studying selectivity of crab pots and the state of sardine and anchovy stocks in the Celtic Sea were also successful.
