£3.5m Fisheries Fund For NI Opens

The £3.5 million Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund for Northern Ireland is now open for applications.

Announced by Andrew Muir, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the fund supports fishing, aquaculture and marine stakeholders and will be available until 31 March 2025.

The new £2.5 million funding package is allocated to support fishermen, processing and aquaculture businesses, port authorities, inland fishers, and environmental stakeholders.

It includes £500,000 for projects that promote green growth, decarbonisation of the fisheries sector and progress towards net-zero. The remaining £1 million is dedicated to initiatives focused on preserving and restoring Blue Carbon in Northern Ireland's territorial waters. In launching the Fund, Minister Muir said: "I am pleased to announce the opening of the £3.5million Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund for Northern Ireland stakeholders with immediate effect. As the funding has been secured on a “one-year settlement” basis only, I would encourage stakeholders to engage with my department promptly in order that applications can be submitted as soon as possible as this funding must be utilised by 31 March 2025.

"In terms of what type of projects can be assisted through the initiative, the support is broadly consistent to the support offered through recent European and national fisheries funding programmes and includes opportunities for investment within fish processing and aquaculture operations.

"The programme will also encourage investment in safer fishing initiatives and operations and other investments on board fishing vessels focusing on adding value and reducing operational costs. Applications relating to innovative projects and processes, marketing initiatives and research; more selective fishing gear and practices, and commercial fishing port infrastructure are also encouraged.

"My Department will be delivering this Scheme in tandem with the development of a longer-term strategy for future fisheries support which, subject to funding availability, will be reflective of the current focus and concerns on sustainability, green growth, the blue economy and economic resilience.

"I am glad that we are able to provide this support in these challenging times and my department will be happy to offer help, signposting and guidance to potential applicants."