GRIMSBY COULD BE BENEFICIARY OF NEW GOVERNMENT-FINANCED SEAFOOD FUND

                                                               

Cash grants could provide precious help for fishing and seafood firms

GRIMSBY-area firms could benefit from a  £100-million fund that has been set up to "support the long term future and sustainability of the UK fisheries and seafood sector".

The UK Seafood Fund was officially  announced earlier today by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

The areas identified for grant opportunities include:

* Science and innovation

* Infrastructure such as strengthening harbour walls

* Skills and Training

Says a DEFRA spokesperson: "The fund’s objectives are to:

* Reform and modernise infrastructure to level up and bring economic growth to coastal communities

* Ensure the best science, research and technology is used in fisheries management

* Encourage new entrants to the industry and upskill the existing workforce

* Enable an environmentally sustainable fishing industry that gives most value for money and reflects the long term needs of the sector

A component of the Seafood fund will be a Fishing Industry Science Partnerships (FISP) scheme whereby research and data are collected and collated "to improve knowledge of fisheries and aquaculture". 

FISP projects will be collaborations between research organisations and the fishing and seafood industry.

More details about the fund and how to apply for grants at:

UK Seafood Fund - GOV.UK 

                                                            

Gull's eye view of Grimsby's important fish market premises