During Mach 2011 English fishing industry is getting a £1.9 million European fund. A total of 16 projects could benefit from the money, made available through the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) and Marine Management Organisation (MMO). The release confirmed that over £1.8 million will be shared among eight large scale developments, which will directly safeguard over 150 jobs and create up to 21 additional roles.
Grimsby fish market will get around £606,000, the biggest single award approved by the panel of judges, for its redevelopment. The MMO also agreed a further £97,000 funding through the EFF scheme during the month, for investment in eight smaller projects such as improvements to fishing vessels in Devon, Cumbria and Cornwall and in fish processing factories in Devon and North Shields.
The release stated that the total value of the projects, when other public and private sector match funding is included, is more than £4.5 million. Catherine Murphy, Programme Manager for the European Fisheries Fund in England, said that various projects have been approved will be the first time the work has been carried out in the UK. This is encouraging news in the current economic climate and it’s good to see that a significant level of private investment is continuing in our fishing industry.
She further said that the projects don’t have to be large to qualify for funding through the scheme however. The minimum cost can be around £1,200 or less. So far this year a total of over £2.12 million has been agreed for funding through the EFF scheme in England. Applications for the fund can be made at any time, however grants over £100,000 are considered by the judging panel which sits on a quarterly basis. Applications need to be received by 11 May for consideration at the next judging panel on 6 July.
