Welsh Government opens £1.85m funding round for marine and fisheries sector
Welsh Government opens £1.85m funding round for marine and fisheries sector
Subscribe to the Businessin Wales daily newsletter for FREE here.
Welsh Government funding of up to £1.85m is now available to support businesses and projects in Wales’ marine, fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The latest funding round under the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme is aimed at supporting sustainable growth in the sector and helping coastal communities across Wales to prosper.
Applications open on 7 January and will remain open for 12 weeks, closing on 31 March. Funding is available across 11 categories, supporting a wide range of activities.
Eligible projects include investment to increase the potential of aquaculture sites, equipment on vessels to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency, and professional advice covering areas such as marine environmental sustainability, business planning and marketing.
Applicants may also seek funding for optional health and safety items on vessels or at land-based facilities.
In the previous funding round, grants supported projects including harbour infrastructure improvements, marine research, fishers’ health and wellbeing initiatives, processing equipment, and smaller items such as ice machines, weighing scales and cool boxes.
Deputy First Minister with responsibility for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, said: “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.
“This 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.
“I’d encourage those with an interest to make use of the funding – to seek opportunities for growth, diversification and innovation.”
Jim Evans MBE, of the Welsh Fishermen’s Association, said: “In the previous round of the WMFS, fishermen and women in Wales have been enabled to access fisheries funds with the free end to end guidance and support provided by the Wales Animateur Pilot.
“The fund has been transformative for individual fishermen, women and seafood businesses throughout Wales.
“There is already significant interest expressed for future funding rounds including, for example, on board vessel improvements, non-mandatory safety equipment, adding value, energy efficiencies and health, safety and wellbeing initiatives.
“I would encourage all fishing, aquaculture and seafood businesses in Wales to contact the Animateurs for help and support with your project/business ideas.”
Applicants must be registered with Rural Payments Wales (RPW) Online, where the application and claims process is managed.
Free, independent support is also available through the Welsh Fisheries Animateur Pilot project, funded by the Welsh Government in collaboration with the Welsh Fisherman’s Association.
Want more from Businessin Wales? Why not follow us on our socials
Listen to the Businessin Wales podcast
