The United Kingdom Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced a GBP 100 million (USD 121 million, EUR 113 million) allocation towards the seafood and aquaculture sectors from the U.K. Seafood Fund.
The number of fishers in the U.K. has fallen by 1,700 over the past decade. To effectively train the next generation, a degree and higher skills level for aspiring managers in the seafood sector will be developed by the University of Lincoln, Defra said.
The sector recognizes the importance of ensuring “entrants are equipped with the necessary skills to join the sector an understand the opportunities that are available to them,” Defra said in a press release.
“Our seafood and fishing sectors are a fundamental part of the U.K.’s heritage as well as contributing to food security and our economy,” Fisheries Minster Mark Spencer said. “The UK Government is funding opportunities from the quayside to the sales counter, suitable for young people as well as those changing careers. It is vital we invest in our workforce, so these important industries prosper for generations to come.”
The projects that received funding will receive grants of up to GBP 250,000 (USD 302,000, EUR 284,000) to fund, recreate, or redesign pilot training courses. Up to GBP 8 million (USD 9.6 million, EUR 9 million) will be allowcated to enhancing technical facilities for training opportunities across the U.K. with applications open now, and closing on 21 April, 2023.
“We are thrilled to have been successful with our bid to the UK Seafood Fund, which was prepared in close collaboration with UHI West Highland and our partners in the seafood sector," UHI Shetland Chief Executive and Principal Jane Lewis said. "This project will be run through our new Centre for Sustainable Seafood and will act as a catalyst to help provide a sustainable workforce for a sustainable seafood sector. We are delighted that we can use this funding to continue to support the seafood sector, which is such a vital part of economy of the Highlands and Islands. Through our joint expertise in blended learning, we will also be able to widen access to reach potential students online no matter where they live.”
The investment fund will also help Mowi Scotland modernize its processing facility. The company will receive more than GBP 2 million (USD 2.4 million, EUR 2.2 million) to purchase new transformative equipment for its salmon processing. Mowi plans to expand its throughput from 65,000 tons to approximately 95,000 annually.
The company first announced its plans to upgrade the facility in 2021 with an investment of GBP 15 million (USD 18 million, EUR 17 million) that included a contract with equipment supplier Marel.
Photo courtesy of Gill Kennett/Shutterstock
