A £3 million funding scheme to support the fisheries, marine and aquaculture sectors in Wales is now open for expressions of interest, the country’s Minister for Rural Affairs Lesley Griffiths has announced.
Available over two years, the funding replaces the previous European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF).
The aim of the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Fund is to support seafood producers, coastal communities and the marine environment to thrive, by investing strategically for the long-term benefit of the sector.
In the scheme’s first funding round the focus will be on assisting with finding new markets for fishery and aquaculture products, promoting the quality of products and helping businesses to market their products.
Expressions of interest are also invited to support research to improve energy efficiency and mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change within the marine and fisheries sector.
Further details on how to submit an expression of interest for the fund is available through Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online.
A further £800,000 challenge fund to open to build capacity in coastal communities is also being confirmed. Funding support is provided to improve environmental outcomes and potentially increase demand for local seafood with strong sustainability credentials. The pilot scheme, to be managed by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action as part of the Local Nature Partnership network aims to enhance skills on a local level and encourage partners to work together.
“I’m pleased the Marine, Fisheries and Aquaculture support scheme is now open for expressions of interest. Our fisheries, marine and aquaculture sectors in Wales are facing many challenges following our departure from the EU and the cost-of-living crisis. I hope this fund will go some way to help support them in marketing their business, and also finding ways to deal with the climate emergency,” Griffiths said.
“The separate £800,000 funding will help build capacity in coastal communities for groups to work together on important projects to support sustainable growth, diversification and nature recovery. It is often people working locally who can deliver real change in their area, and this funding will support them to do that.”
