England’s fisheries and aquaculture sectors now have access to funding totaling EUR 243 million (USD 264.2 million) under the European Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF), opened in the country this week by the U.K. Government’s Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
The new funding scheme offers much needed benefits to fisheries and aquaculture as well as coastal communities, said the MMO. Key areas of focus are to help the fishing industry adapt to the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) as well as supporting the competitiveness of the sector.
Applications for funding are initially sought for: support with elements of CFP reform, improving health and safety on vessels, enhancing the quality or value of catch, investing in port and harbor infrastructure such as ports/auction halls/shelters, the processing of seafood and aquaculture products and general investments in aquaculture.
The MMO is also starting the process of selecting Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) for England to help fisheries communities adapt to the reformed CFP and to support sustainable economic growth.
The scheme will open for other measures later this year, but these initial areas cover over EUR 33 million (USD 35.9 million) of the EMFF funding.
“The MMO is delighted to be able to open the EMFF scheme for applications in England. The scheme provides significant opportunities for hard working fishermen, associated businesses and the wider marine sector to gain much needed funding to assist and benefit their important work and activities,” said John Tuckett, CEO of the MMO.
The organization had made significant efforts to ensure support is in place for scheme users including a new e-application system, redesigned website and dedicated customer helplines, said Tuckett.
“I therefore urge everyone to visit our website, look at the funds and funding types available and submit an EMFF application at the earliest opportunity.”
