£2.6m Boost For Fishing

22nd April 2013

The latest round of European Fisheries Fund (EFF) grants will give support to 78 projects across the sea fisheries, aquaculture and fish processing sectors.

Successful applications range from seafood companies - who will benefit from equipment and funding to access new markets � to vessel modernisation and safety equipment.

Recipients include:

Laeso Fish Ltd in Peterhead - �682,821 for refrigeration and grading equipment which will improve efficiency and increase exports

Cumbrae Oysters Ltd in Ayrshire - �101,027 for oyster growing equipment which will increase production and create four new jobs

Franks Fresh Market in Glasgow - �53,000 for equipment to handle live lobsters, crab and shellfish, allowing the company to increase exports

Burgon (Eyemouth) Ltd in Berwickshire - �246,208 for crab processing facilities and equipment, increasing efficiency and throughput and creating 12 new jobs

Scottish Fishermen�s Federation - �438,007 to supply a personal flotation device to every fisherman in Scotland, this initiative is aimed at improving the safety record of the industry and is linked to checks on professional qualifications and refresher training

Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead, who announced the funding while hosting a Scottish reception at the European Seafood Exhibition in Brussels, said:�Scottish seafood is unsurpassed on the world stage for excellence and taste and is increasingly sought after. The Seafood Expo is a great opportunity for Scottish companies to showcase their produce and boost exports by gaining access to new markets. Scottish companies secured projected sales of �40 million, over a three year period, for attendance at last year�s event.

�The sea fishing and aquaculture industries � as well as the processing sector that supports both � provide an important economic contribution to Scotland, particularly in our coastal communities. That�s why the assistance we have delivered through the fisheries support funds � more than �69 million since 2000 � is so important.

�This latest round of grants is expected to trigger capital investment of over �6 million, when the contribution made by businesses themselves is taken into account. The diverse range of projects being backed will help the fishing, aquaculture and processing industries to grow, as well as protecting jobs.�