There has been positive media coverage in the Financial Times, Press and Journal, Scottish Herald and Fisker Forum about the Science and Innovation pillar of the UK Seafood Pillar, which has been launched this week.
The announcement was also covered by Farming Today who interviewed Michel Kaiser, professor of Fisheries Conservation at Heriot-Watt University, about his project being supported by the fund. The Herald, also carried an op-ed from Scotland Office Minister David Duguid.
The £24 million of funding released by the Government to support better science and innovation projects is the first part of £100 million UK Seafood Fund designed to level up coastal communities across the UK.
The Science and Innovation pillar, will see the fishing and seafood industry supported to work jointly with scientists to research new types of more productive and sustainable fishing gear, gather new data to more sustainably manage the UK’s fish stocks, and trial projects such as new biodegradable packaging for chilled fish and seafood to reduce single-use plastics. These advancements in science and research will boost efficiency and help to ensure the long term sustainability of the industry.
We have launched for initial engagement a Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships scheme. The scheme will fund the gathering of new data to sustainably manage the UK’s fish stocks, research new types of fishing gear to boost sustainable fishing, increase confidence in fisheries science, and increase knowledge of the benefits and impacts of fish farming.
The Science and Innovation pillar is one of three pillars of the UK Seafood Fund. The Infrastructure pillar, will be announced later in the Autumn, and will invest in projects to strengthen the supply chain in the UK.
A further Skills and Training pillar will support career opportunities and upskilling in the sector to ensure the industry has the right skills, capacity, and expertise.
Environment Secretary, George Eustice, said:
Over the last nine months, we have taken some important steps in the right direction for our fishing industry.
"We’ve taken our independent seat at the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, we have agreed a quota exchange mechanism, and we have seen an uplift in quota for UK vessels.
"Now, this major investment will benefit coastal communities up and down the UK. The first investment from our £100M Seafood Fund will boost science and innovation in the fishing industry and, coupled with our Fisheries Act, help us ensure that we have the most sustainable fleet in the world.
Further details on how to apply are available on the Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships scheme GOV.UK page.
1 comment
Comment by John W. Baxter posted on
Where have you been all these years?......or have you not noticed the run down state of the U.K. fishing fleet?.
Look at that of the Europeans and you know who has been doing well by the state of their fleets in comparison to ours.......hell, I doubt if we had the capacity to build a boat in the U.K. anymore, maybe a refurb of a European cast off is ourlimit........you re late to the party!.....again.