The investment was announced by Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead at today's European Seafood Exposition in Brussels.
Seafood Scotland will use the funding to promote consumption of healthy, sustainable seafood and educate the public, schoolchildren, retailers and chefs about Scotland's seafood supply chain. The funding will also help support attendance at consumer and trade events and explore new market opportunities throughout the Year of Food and Drink.
Mr Lochhead said: "Scotland is widely regarded as being responsible for producing and landing the best seafood in the world. Our fishermen are also regularly praised for being at the forefront of fisheries conservation. Together the two plaudits make an impressive combination and the world's largest seafood show provides the perfect showcase to enhance our reputation.
"While the recent commitment from major supermarkets to stock more Scottish seafood is a major boost in terms of maximising the value of the catch, more can be done. The challenge is to market Scotland's hard earned conservation credentials more effectively to business and the consumer with the support of our major retailers.
"To ensure that happens, we need to build on the many good examples within the industry where fishermen, processors and retailers are working together, adding value and having a relationship with the consumer.
"The £300,000 announced today will help educate the next generation and open the public's eyes to an exciting and vibrant industry and the fact that seafood can play an important role in a healthy and balanced diet. I hope they will spread the 'Eat More Fish' message on to family and friends."
Libby Woodhatch, chief executive of Seafood Scotland, said: "The Scottish seafood industry is working hard to prove its sustainable credentials and we are helping to widen understanding and appreciation of their efforts.
"By encouraging greater consumption of top quality Scottish seafood, we are also endeavouring to create new market opportunities. The work we are undertaking to connect fishermen, markets, wholesalers, retailers and consumers, is an important part of our remit and is helping to improve the value of seafood throughout the supply chain."
300,000 To Boost Seafood Sector
SCOTLAND, UK - Funding of 300,000 has been awarded to increase awareness of the health benefits of eating seafood and highlight the conservation credentials of Scotland's fishing fleets.
