97 million Boost for UK Fishing and Seafood Industries

UK - The fishing and seafood sector will be able to bid for a share of almost 100 million worth of grants from next year under a new European scheme. And this amount will be boosted by additional funding from government.

The UK has been allocated approximately £97 million, more than £30 million of which has been earmarked to boost local economies such as Cornwall, to finance projects under the European Fisheries Fund.

UK Fisheries Ministers have agreed to divide the money as follows: - England £26.42m- Scotland £26.42m- Northern Ireland £12.76m- Wales £1.07m

Separate funds will be available for Cornwall (£7.3m), West Wales (£10.68m), and the Scottish Highlands and Islands (£12.41m). All figures are approximate.

The grant scheme is designed to help modernise and improve the sustainability and competitiveness of the fishing industry.

UK Fisheries Minister Jonathan Shaw said this money would make a difference throughout the industries and the supply chain.

"It will invest in projects that will boost business and improve long-term prospects for many people across the UK,” he added.