The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme applications are now open

The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme will provide £6.1 million over the next 12 months to businesses across England in the seafood sector.

Initially the fund will focus on helping businesses adapt to life outside the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy and recover from the impacts of Covid-19.

The funding scheme has been seen as a real opportunity for fishing communities like Maryport.

“Leaving the EU has hit the industry quite a bit and Covid hasn’t helped at all,” said Allerdale Independents Councillor for Maryport North, Adrian Kirkbride.

“It needs as much help as it can get and if there’s money there for businesses they should grab it with both hands.

“We’ve got a fantastic harbour area and a fishing trader ideally located, so hopefully this could all work together and it would be beneficial for the area.”

The scheme would also fund a wide range of projects, from providing professional advice to local businesses and encouraging local sales, to making fishing gear more selective of size and species and working conditions safer.

Fishing Minister, Victoria Prentis, said: “We are fully committed to the fishing and seafood sector, and as an independent coastal state we now have a renewed focus to level up coastal communities across England.

“Through investment across the catching, aquaculture and processing sectors, the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme will support the long-term sustainability and success of seafood businesses throughout England and will help safeguard our marine environment.

“I encourage all eligible businesses to apply.”

The Marine Management Organisation will administrate the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme on behalf of Defra.

Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Management Organisation, Tom McCormack, said: “MMO continues to support our fishing and seafood industry. We look forward to managing applications to the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, and helping businesses to develop, adapt and succeed.”