5 May, 2008

THE Scottish Government has launched a consultation on how to spend £45 million of European money earmarked for the Scottish fishing industry.

The new European Fisheries Fund is designed to:

* modernise fishing boats to make fishing practices more sustainable;
* promote sustainable economic development in coastal communities; and
* improve the international competitiveness of the fishing industry.

Fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead said Scotland had secured the lion's share of the UK's allocation from the fund.

"This funding is a real boost to Scotland's sea fishing and aquaculture industries and the communities they support.

"Scotland's fishermen are at the forefront of sustainable fishing in the UK and across Europe. This funding will be used to help keep them there.

"This consultation will help us make sure support and funding is targeted at projects that will make a difference, deliver change, maximise value and secure the future of Scottish businesses and communities," he said.

The consultation will run until 27 June and the formal application process will open later this summer.

The consultation document can be found at http://sh45inta/Publications/2008/05/Uk-Programme-Fisheries-Fu