Fishing businesses and coastal communities across the UK will get access to £360 million through a new Fishing and Coastal Growth fund. £56 million of this is earmarked for devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to best meet the specific needs of their fishing and coastal communities.
The Scottish Government has been allocated £28m, while £18m goes to the Welsh Government and £10m to the Northern Ireland Executive.
‘Scotland’s fisheries sector and our coastal communities are hugely important and this new £28 million UK Government investment will help deliver a bright, sustainable future for the fishing industry and those who live on our coast by improving infrastructure, creating jobs and boosting investment in skills,’ said UK Government Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill, stating that the UK Government is also pledging to slash red tape for seafood exporters and businesses.
The fund is devised to invest in the UK’s fishing fleet’s technology and equipment, train the next generation of fishers by enhancing their skills, and support coastal communities by boosting tourism and trade.
‘This fund will revitalise the fishing sector and coastal communities right across the UK, spurring growth as part of our Plan for Change. Supporting devolved governments with this new funding will help get the money to where it’s most needed, so the sector can thrive for generations to come.,‘ said Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle.
‘Well managed, and with the right support, fishing can be an engine to drive sustainable growth all around our coastline,’ commented NFFO chief executive Mike Cohen.
‘This funding is enormously welcome and, if properly targeted, will bring social and economic benefits that will be felt for a long time to come.’
