Funding for marine economy

Sea fisheries and processing businesses are to share more than £5.6 million aimed at increasing growth and creating local jobs.

The eighth round of the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) includes £1.3 million for Seafood Scotland to help it maximise key export markets and £1.35 million for J K Thomson in Musselburgh to support the construction of a new processing factory.

Announcing the latest award, Rural Minister Mairi Gougeon said:

“The marine economy plays a vital role in supporting coastal communities and is critical to our ambitions to double the value of our food and drink industry.

“From grants which will help open up existing and new export markets, to the funding of new and improved factory facilities, this £5.6 million investment will support the marine economy supply chain, boosting growth and creating local jobs.

“With this round fully committing all allocated funding to the Scottish processing sector, I call on the UK Government to meet its pledge, to provide the required additional funding to allow future rounds to proceed so that businesses can continue to grow and deliver sustainable economic growth for the seafood sector.

“This funding should be transferred to the Scottish Government for disbursement in Scotland, in line with the devolved settlement.”

Background

The total £5,606,657 grant comprises:

• £4,204,992 from the EU
• £1,401,665 from the Scottish Government