May 2, 2020

Gov't sets aside GBP10 million as support for England's fishing businesses amid pandemic

England has made available a £10-million support fund for the country's fishing and aquaculture sectors amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 1,000 fishing and aquaculture businesses in England are targeted to receive direct cash grants through a fisheries support scheme, said the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations in a news release.

Up to £9 million will be available for grants to eligible fishing and aquaculture businesses, while a further £1 million will be made available to support projects to help fishermen sell their catch in their local communities.

These fishermen have been hit by the closure of traditional export markets and the reduction in demand from the hospitality sector.

The support scheme will help English fishing and aquaculture businesses particularly with their fixed costs such as insurance, equipment hire and port costs.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is administering the fund, contacting eligible registered owners and licence holders directly with details on how to apply, starting April 20 through to early May.

"This £10 million scheme will provide a lifeline for more than 1,000 fishing businesses so they can continue to maintain and operate their boats during this challenging time, which has seen falling prices and lack of demand for fish from the restaurant industry", Environment Secretary George Eustice said.

The seafood and fisheries sectors have been encouraged to apply for the support including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme.