Fishermen under 10 meter sector are encouraged to apply for the European Fisheries Fund Innovation Fund scheme.
European Fisheries Fund Innovation Fund scheme was launched in November with £1 million as part of the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) to support projects in the under 10 metre fishing sector in England. It is providing up to 90 percent funding towards ideas costing over £500 that aim to improve the way the sector operates. Due to the high level of interest in the rate of funding available the scheme may close early if all of the money has been allocated.
Around £38 million has been made available through the EFF to help the fishing industry in England to adapt to changing needs. Catherine Murphy, EFF Programme Manager for England said fishermen are encouraged to apply until the availability of 90 percent rate of funding. He added that they are particularly looking for ideas that will help share experiences, improve safety, reduce the environmental impact of fishing including discards and increase catch quality and value.
The scheme was launched by fisheries minister Richard Benyon saying that the Government is committed to helping England’s small scale fishing fleet develop more sustainable ways of working in order to ensure their long-term future. The government is challenging anyone with a vision for the future of the under 10 metre fleet to bring us their ideas for projects of all sizes, from individuals to those involving the wider community, said Benyon.
The European Fisheries Fund (EFF) provides financial assistance to help implement the latest reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.It is to support the restructuring that has become necessary as the fisheries sector has developed.
