More than £1 million of Welsh Government funding is being made
available to boost the marine, fisheries and aquaculture industry
in Wales.
The scheme aims to ensure sustainable growth in the sector and
help coastal communities prosper.
The £1.4 million is available from £700,000 revenue and £700,000
capital. The application window will remain open for 10 weeks,
closing on 24th March. A wide range of activities can be
supported through the scheme under 11 separate categories.
Activities include, but are not limited to:
• Funding to increase the potential of aquaculture sites and
equipment on vessels aimed at reducing emissions and increasing
energy efficiency;
• Professional advice for businesses ranging from marine
environment sustainability to business and marketing plans;
• Applicants could also apply for funding for optional health and
safety items on board vessels or land based.
The last funding round provided grants for a variety of projects
including items such as ice machines, ice flakers, weighing
scales, cool boxes for fishers, vessel modifications to improve
energy efficiency, and marine evidence gathering projects.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and
Rural Affairs, , said: “The Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme
is designed to create opportunities within the marine
environment, coastal communities and sustainable seafood across
the whole supply chain, from production to processing and
marketing.
“Our aquaculture, marine and fisheries sector brings many
important benefits. It provides a low carbon, high-quality
protein food source, which can support future food security, and
can also deliver high skilled jobs.
“A broad range of activities can be supported, and I'd encourage
those with an interest to make use of the funding – to seek
opportunities for growth, diversification and innovation and use
the scheme to build a more prosperous, fairer and greener Wales.”
The maximum grant award per application is £100,000 with the
minimum grant award being £500.
There is free, independent support for applicants available
through a Welsh Fisheries Animateur Pilot project funded by Welsh
Government in collaboration with the Welsh Fisherman's
Association. To access this support applicants can contact The
Fisheries Animateur by phone 01736 362782, text 07864087119 or
email info@fishinganimateur.co.uk.
Applicants must be registered with Rural Payments Wales (RPW)
Online, where the application and claims processes can be found.
Details of the scheme, including guidance, can be found on the
Welsh Government's website
