The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has made a number of changes to the EMFF scheme to make sure it continues to provide maximum possible benefit to the fishing sector and associated communities. This includes gathering feedback from the fishing industry and representative bodies as to where financial assistance would be of most use.
A significant development is that funding is now available towards the replacement of engines on fishing vessels. Other changes include to some funding thresholds. Full details are available on the MMO website.
Michelle Willis, MMO Chief Finance Officer, said:
“We are committed to ensuring that the EMFF scheme meets the needs of the people it is designed to serve and we regularly use stakeholder feedback to refine and improve the scheme. These changes are further evidence of that commitment.
“The changes we have made will allow fishermen to apply for funding to upgrade their engines, which will improve reliability, reduce running costs, provide safety benefits and also reduce the impact on the environment. The amendments to increase funding thresholds in a number of areas should also help strengthen the fisheries sector and be of significant benefit to the industry as a whole.
“I would urge people to visit the MMO website to learn about the changes, see if they can now benefit from EMFF funding and submit an application or expression of interest to us.”