New entrants to Scotland’s fishing sector can apply for funding toward the purchase of a second-hand fishing vessel through a one-year, GBP 14 million (USD 19.8 million, EUR 16.2 million) scheme.
The support is being made available through Marine Fund Scotland (MFS), with young fishers under the age of 40 able to apply for up to 75 percent of the purchase of an existing vessel with a registered length of up to 16 meters.
Funding of up to 50 percent toward the cost of a vessel over 16 meters, as well as vessels up to 24 meters, is also available.
MFS is the replacement to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) following the United Kingdom’s exit from the E.U.
“While we have previously supported young people through the European Maritime Fisheries Fund, Marine Fund Scotland puts more of an emphasis on getting new entrants into the industry and helping those who wish to progress their career and become a vessel owner,” Scotland Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs Mairi Gougeon said.
Gougeon said removing barriers for younger people looking to enter Scotland’s fishing industry is critical for the future.
“Doing what we can to remove barriers for young people in fishing is crucial so we can boost the resilience of the industry which supports jobs in some of our most rural communities. This is an important part of our Future Fisheries Management Strategy, which includes actions to promote fishing as an attractive and safe career of choice,” Gougeon said.
The project was welcomed by Western Isles Fishermen’s Association Secretary Duncan MacInnes.
“This funding will create an environment that will modernize the fleet and will create additional catching opportunities for career and business development for young fishermen living in fragile coastal communities throughout Scotland where alternative employment opportunities are limited,” MacInnes said. “Providing funding to young vessels owners is paramount in the future survival of coastal communities that have suffered from depopulation in recent years.”
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