£10 Million Lifeline for England’s Struggling Fishing Industry
The Government has unveiled a £10 million support package to save England’s fishing and aquaculture sectors battered by the coronavirus crisis.
Cash Grants to Keep Boats Afloat
Up to £9 million will be pumped directly into more than 1,000 fishing businesses across England. The new fisheries support scheme, announced by Environment Secretary George Eustice and Treasury Chief Secretary Steve Barclay, will provide crucial grants to cover fixed costs like insurance, equipment hire, and port fees.
A further £1 million will help fishermen sell their catch locally, as lockdown closes traditional export markets and slashes demand from restaurants. This boost aims to keep coastal communities and the seafood supply chain ticking.
Who Qualifies and How to Apply?
- Eligible vessel owners must have boats under 24 metres with a fishing licence registered in England and have made at least £10,000 in sales during 2019.
- Grants will be based on average business costs for vessel size, as assessed by the industry.
- The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will manage payments, contacting fishermen from April 20 through early May.
- Support will run for up to three months.
Top Officials Speak Out
George Eustice, Environment Secretary: “This £10 million scheme will provide a lifeline for over 1,000 fishing businesses to maintain operations amid falling prices and weak demand from the restaurant sector.” “We are working closely with the industry to ensure they can continue providing fish for tables and support coastal economies.”
Steve Barclay, Chief Secretary to the Treasury: “Fishing is vital to England’s coastal communities, providing jobs and quality produce locally and abroad.” “With many losing trade due to Covid-19, this support will help businesses weather the storm and develop new local retail opportunities.”
Tom McCormack, CEO of MMO: “We know the challenges fishermen face with plummeting markets for fish and shellfish. Our data helps target support quickly to those most in need.” “We will keep listening and adapting to back our fishing industry properly.”
More to Come for the Fishing Fleet
The government is also working with fisheries authorities in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to ease regulatory pressures on the fishing fleet. Details on these further measures will be announced soon.
Meanwhile, seafood businesses can still access existing support schemes like the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme and the Jobs Retention Scheme.
