On 19 May, the UK Government announced a new twelve-year £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund to drive growth and boost the sector for the future. Defra has indicated that the fund will see investment in new technology and equipment to modernise Britain’s fleet, deliver new training and skills, and promote British seafood exports across the world, among others. The Government has committed to work with the industry to target investment where it matters most.

Committed to supporting two industries vital to the UK’s coastal communities – sustainable and thriving wild capture fisheries and shellfish aquaculture – the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fisheries and the APPG for Shellfish Aquaculture welcome the announcement of the fund and the Government’s commitment to work with industry to target investment where it matters most. 

Both APPGs recognise that a long-term strategic approach to supporting and investing in fishing, aquaculture, seafood and coastal communities is crucial not only to ensure a viable future for the UK’s coastal communities and the long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems, but to long-term domestic food security and meeting commitments on climate and biodiversity. 

With the particulars of the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund still to be devised, to illuminate industry priorities, while also reflecting on past learnings, the APPG on Fisheries and APPG for Shellfish Aquaculture will co-host an open parliamentary seminar on 25 June outlining industry needs for investment across the following themes: People, Food, Nature, Resources and Community. 

Bringing together parliamentarians, policymakers, and sector professionals, the session will explore what an effective, targeted fund might look like, and steps needed to ensure the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund becomes an effective vehicle for investment in the future of our fishing and seafood communities. 

Register to attend the meeting online here.