The EFF is now open for business and under the programme, between now and 2013 fisheries business, including vessel owners, aquaculture business, port operators and processers in Scotland will benefit from £43 million worth of investment of European funding. It is told that of the £43 million, £19 million has already been allocated for a 3 year plan to help the fishing industry adapt to an era of high fuel prices.
Last the governments pledged a further £9 million towards this industry wide initiative. Together with additional support from Sea Fish this makes a total of £29 million of support available through the Fishing Industry Plan. The Scottish Government has also published guidance on EFF funding with all details. Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead expressed that fishing is a key industry for Scotland supporting many coastal communities. Taken together, fisheries, fish farming and processing contribute well over £1 billion each year to the Scottish economy.
It is informed that European Fisheries Fund investment will help modernise and secure the sustainability of the fishing industry. It will promote sustainable economic development in rural and coastal communities and improve the international competitiveness of the fishing industry. According to authority EFF is a new fund for EU fisheries grants operating until December 2013, replacing the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) programme.
