Fishing groups and individuals across Scotland will receive a share of GBP 4.1 million (USD 5 million, EUR 4.6 million) funding to help boost the country’s seafood sector and make it more sustainable.
The funding, which is part of the second round of the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF), will assist 56 projects aimed at contributing to the sustainable management of Scottish fisheries and marine ecosystems.
The EU and Scottish Government contributed more than GBP 3 million (USD 3.7 million, EUR 3.4 million) and GBP 1 million (USD 1.2 million, EUR 1.1 million) to the funding pot, respectively.
Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing announced the funding on a visit to meet representatives from the Dunbar Fishermen’s Association, which will receive GBP 102,000 (USD 124,799, EUR 114,308) to develop a new coldstore.
“This GBP 4.1 million investment will provide crucial support to businesses, allowing them to upgrade technology and buy new equipment to maintain and enhance the sustainability of the sector, protecting and creating jobs while also building growth in the rural and coastal economy,” said Ewing. “This is an example of why EU funding is essential as it will help the sea fisheries sector improve the quality of their products and help them develop more environmentally friendly methods.”
John Fairgrieve from the Dunbar Fishermen’s Association said the award was “excellent news” for the fishermen of Dunbar and the wider community.
“The fishermen have worked relentlessly for past couple of years to make this project a reality,” he said. “The project provides opportunities to improve the quality of our catch and look at wider opportunities to market that catch and it will hopefully lead to more jobs within our community.”
