Funding of more than £2m from the European Fisheries Fund (EFF) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has been awarded to the English fishing industry so far in 2012.
The money was given to 38 projects which will develop various areas within the fisheries sector.
Catherine Murphy, EFF England programme manager, said: "We are delighted that so many fishermen and organisations within the fisheries sector have been able to benefit from EFF grants. We are keen to ensure that this success continues as the current scheme ends next year and there are still EFF funds available.”
More than £1.1m was granted under Axis 3 of the scheme – £500,000 of which will be used to achieve a sustainable eel fishery which will increase available areas, improve passages for juvenile eels and increase awareness. Money was also given to help improve ports and harbours in North Yorkshire and the North East of England with the aim of making them more accessible to fishermen and buyers.
Over £880,000 was awarded under Axis 2 which will provide funding towards developments in fish processing and aquaculture, including increasing processing capacity at seafood plants.
Under Axis 1, £69,000 was awarded to projects aiming to complete vessel engine replacements and improve onboard safety which will result in safer working conditions and reduce costs meaning fishermen can improve their profitability.
