Member Article

North East fishing industry catches £800k European funding line

The Northumberland County Council-led North of Tyne Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), has been awarded £800k in European funding to help protect and develop fishing jobs in the region.

Funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the money will help development across 14 fishing communities between Berwick upon Tweed and North Shields.

Distributed by the Marine Management Organisation, the funding will boost projects supporting the fishing and aquaculture sectors including harbours, ports, fishermen, wholesalers, processing and research.

The Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority supported the group to develop its funding bid.

Councillor Robert Arckless, Northumberland County Councillor and chairman of the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, said: “Our fishing industry is one of the North East’s greatest assets and it’s important that we do everything we can to safeguard it for present and future generations.

“This new funding will be a welcome boost to the industry and will make a big difference to businesses, employment and both the local and regional economy.”

The funding will be used to support projects between March 2017 and September 2019.

Norma Redfearn, North Tyneside Elected Mayor, added: “The funding is fantastic news for the North of Tyne Fisheries Local Action Group and I am delighted it has been awarded to the group.

“As well as benefiting the fishing industry in Northumberland, the money will help our fishing communities in Cullercoats and North Shields too.

“On behalf of North Tyneside Council, I’d like to thank the group for their hard work and dedication in successfully applying for this funding.”