The UK government has awarded £3.9 million to build new sea fishing infrastructure, improve training and promote a career in the seafood industry.
The funding for the seven projects is being delivered through the £100 million UK Seafood Fund as part of Round 2 of the Skills and Training scheme. This latest tranche builds on the £1.1 million awarded earlier this year which has helped supply new purpose-built classrooms, bespoke technical training areas and improved facilities for blended training.
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said funding from the UK Seafood Fund was already showing results with upgraded ports, aquaculture facilities and training programmes.
“It is attracting fresh blood into the sector,” he said. “Today’s investment will help to support the industry so that our existing and future workforce is equipped with the necessary skills and facilities to join the sector and benefit from the brilliant opportunities that are available to them with a career in seafood.”
Support for Scotland
The funding includes £3 million to build a Scottish seafood centre of excellence at Fraserburgh, more than £138,000 to upgrade the maritime bridge simulator at the University of the Highlands and Islands’ campus in the Shetland Islands and £100,000 for a new boatshed at Wigtown Bay Coastal Rowing Club on the Isle of Whithorn.
Other projects around the UK include the refurbishment of training facilities at the harbour in Portavogie, Northern Ireland and an extension of facilities in Grimsby to create a new Seafood School.
Round 3 of the UK Seafood Fund Infrastructure scheme is currently open, with grants of up to £160,000 to help the commercial catching sector upgrade to greener engine technology.
The government has also announced a further £154,000 will be available in Round 4, providing investment to support recreational sea fishing.
