UK Seafood Fund awards GBP 100 million in funding to seafood, aquaculture sectors

The United Kingdom Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) announced a GBP 100 million (USD 121 million, EUR 113 million) allocation towards the seafood and aquaculture sectors from the U.K. Seafood Fund. 

The number of fishers in the U.K. has fallen by 1,700 over the past decade. To effectively train the next generation, a degree and higher skills level for aspiring managers in the seafood sector will be developed by the University of Lincoln, Defra said.

The sector recognizes the importance of ensuring “entrants are equipped with the necessary skills to join the sector an understand the opportunities that are available to them,” Defra said in a press release. 

“Our seafood and fishing sectors are a fundamental part of the U.K.’s heritage as well as contributing to food security and our economy,” Fisheries Minster Mark Spencer said. “The UK Government is funding opportunities from the quayside to the sales counter, suitable for young people as well as those changing careers. It is vital we invest in our workforce, so these important industries prosper for generations to come.”

The projects that received funding will receive grants of up to GBP 250,000 (USD 302,000, EUR 284,000) to fund, recreate, or redesign pilot training courses. Up to GBP 8 million (USD 9.6 million, EUR 9 million) will be allowcated to enhancing technical facilities for training opportunities across the U.K. with applications open now, and closing on 21 April, 2023. 

“We are thrilled to have been successful with our bid to the UK Seafood Fund, which was prepared in close collaboration with UHI West Highland and our partners in the seafood sector," UHI Shetland Chief Executive and Principal Jane Lewis said. "This project ...

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