Fishermen across the UK will be able to apply
for a fair share of a new grant scheme to help them adapt to the new Common
Fisheries Policy and grow their businesses.
The
UK allocation of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund has been distributed
fairly to each devolved nation based on factors including respective sizes of
fleet, number of ports, sizes of industry, and historical
allocations.
All
four devolved administrations worked together to agree the
allocations.
From next year, the UK fisheries, aquaculture and
processing sectors will be able to apply for grants from the scheme to help
them grow their businesses. Up to 60% of the cost of equipment will be
available to help fishermen adapt to the landing obligation and other aspects
of the new Common Fisheries Policy.
Marine and Fisheries Minister, George Eustice
said:
“This deal means that fishermen in every part of
the UK will have access to a fair allocation of funding to help them buy the
equipment they need to adapt to the new Common Fisheries Policy. This will help
the fishing industry invest in their businesses and deliver long-term economic
growth.”
The
size of the UK allocation is currently being decided by the EU Commission. The
current European Fisheries Fund is worth €138 million to the UK. We expect
the new allocation to be higher.
Allocation of the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
in 2014 – 2020:
Scotland |
46.00% |
England |
35.60% |
Wales |
8.40% |
N.
Ireland |
10.00% |