The UK Government has announced a £132 million investment to support the fishing and seafood industries and coastal communities across England. The funding will be distributed over five years through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.
The aim of this initiative is to strengthen the long-term sustainability and growth of the sector. The government plans to fund projects focused on workforce training, safety at sea, seafood processing, and the improvement of ports and infrastructure. It also seeks to enhance access to markets and increase trade opportunities.
A key feature of the scheme is its wider accessibility. It is now open not only to fishing businesses, but also to charities, community groups, and local authorities. This change is expected to benefit a broader range of coastal communities.
In addition, £6 million has been specifically allocated to support small-scale fishers, who often face more challenges in accessing funding. The scheme also allows for long-term projects, giving applicants more flexibility.
Fisheries Minister Angela Eagle stated that the investment responds to the needs of the industry and aims to create a more resilient and competitive sector.
Overall, this funding represents an important step to wards modernising the fishing industry while supporting coastal communities and promoting sustainable development.
