G/SCM/N/401/GBR/Suppl.1  
 
20 September  2023 
(23-6279) Page: 1/8 
Committee on Subsidies and  
Countervailing Measures  Original: English  
 
SUBSIDIES   
NEW AND FULL NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XVI:1 OF    
THE G ATT 1994 AND ARTI CLE 25 OF THE AGREEMENT ON    
SUBSIDIES AND COUNTERVAILING MEASURES   
UNITED KINGDOM  
Supplement  
The following communication, dated and received on 20 September  2023, is being circulated at the 
request of the delegation of the United Kingdom.  
 
_______________  
 
 
The following supplement to the notification of the United Kingdom relates to additional fi sheries 
subsidy programmes by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Scottish Government.  G/SCM/N/401/GBR/Suppl.1  
 
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Table of Contents  
1  AQUACULTURE, FISHING AND FISHERIES  ................................ ................................ .... 3 
1.1  Northern Ireland Executive  ................................ ................................ ..........................  3 
1.1.1  Covid -19 Sea Fishing Potters Scheme  ................................ ................................ .........  3 
1.1.2  Maritime and Fisheries Fund (NI)  ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
1.2  Scottish Government  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 5 
1.2.1  Covid -19 Scottish Seafood Business  Resilience Fund  ................................ .....................  5 
1.2.2  Marine Fund Scotland  ................................ ................................ ...............................  6 
1.2.3  Seafood Producers Resilience Fund  ................................ ................................ .............  7 
 
  G/SCM/N/401/GBR/Suppl.1  
 
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1  AQUACULTURE, FISHING AND FISHERIES  
1.1  Northern Ireland Executive  
1.1.1   Covid -19 Sea Fishing Potters Scheme  
1. Title of the subsidy programme  
Covid -19 Sea Fishing Potters Scheme.  
2. Period covered by the notification  
2021.  
3. Policy  objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The purpose of the scheme was to support sea fishing vessels that utilise static fishing gears 
('Potters '). It aimed to help address the ongoing issues of over -supply and low prices in the sector, 
whilst still allowing the fleet to respond to market demands as export markets and the hospitality 
sector continue their recovery from the Covid -19 pandemic.  
4. Background and authority for the subsidy  
The s cheme opened for applications 10 October 2020 and closed 30 on October 2020, but payments 
to businesses did not take place until 2021.  
The legal authority for the scheme is The Sea Fish Industry (Coronavirus) (Fixed Costs) Scheme 
(Northern Ireland) 2021 (S .R.2021 No.65) Regulation.  
The granting authority for the scheme is the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural 
Affairs (DAERA).  
5. Form of the subsidy  
Grant.  
6. To whom  and how the subsidy is provided  
The scheme was open to Owners of NI Registered Commercial Sea Fishing Vessels that exclusively 
utilised Static Fishing Gears (Potters). It provided fixed cost assistance to fishers as a lump sum.  
7. Amount of the subsidy  
2021 Total: GBP 142,006.  
Payments to individual businesses ranged between GBP 407.61 up to GBP 5,000.  
8. Duration  of the subsidy  
Application period: 10 October 2020 – 30 October 2020.  
Period of payments issued: 19 March 2021 to 14 July 2021.  
9. Statistical  data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
No statistica l data is available.  G/SCM/N/401/GBR/Suppl.1  
 
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1.1.2   Maritime and Fisheries Fund (NI)  
1. Title of the subsidy programme  
Maritime and Fisheries Fund (NI).  
2. Period covered by the notification  
2021 and 2022.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The purpose of the scheme is to continue  to provide Northern Ireland with a financial support 
mechanism for the fisheries, inland waters, aquaculture and maritime sectors.  
Support is available for projects that deliver on sustainable economic growth in the sea fisheries and 
aquaculture sectors.  This includes:  
• Investment on board fishing vessels;  
• Fishing vessel energy improvements and re -engining;  
• Aquaculture, processing and marketing;  
• Investments to shore based facilities;  
• Partnership, information sharing, advisory services, job creation and training; and  
• Marine environment and inland fishing.  
4. Background and authority for the subsidy  
The legal authority for the scheme is the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (Financial 
Assistance) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 No. 399.  
The granting au thority for the scheme is the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural 
Affairs (DAERA).  
5. Form of the subsidy  
Grant.  
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The scheme is open to owners of Northern Ireland registered fishing vessels, inland fishers, producer 
organisations, aquaculture and fish processing and marketing businesses and Northern Ireland Ports.  
Most Maritime and Fisheries Fund (NI) funding is only available to micro, small and medium 
enterprises (SMEs). However, some funding can b e granted to large aquaculture enterprises if their 
project relates to, and is engaged in, knowledge -sharing with SMEs. Grant is paid in arrears against 
vouched expenditure.  
7. Amount of the subsidy  
2021 Total: GBP 16,500.  
2022 Total: GBP 2,347,440.  
8. Duration of the subsidy  
8 October 2021 - 31 March 2023.  
9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
No statistical data is available.  G/SCM/N/401/GBR/Suppl.1  
 
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1.2  Scottish Government  
1.2.1   Covid -19 Scottish Seafood Business Resilience Fund  
1. Title of the subsidy progr amme  
Covid -19 Scottish Seafood Business Resilience Fund.  
2. Period covered by the notification  
2021 and 2022.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The objective of the scheme is to provide financial support to businesses within the seafood sector 
who are facing severe hardship as a consequence of the covid -19 pandemic. The vitality of these 
businesses is critical to the economic sustainability of Sco tland's coastal and rural communities.  
The scheme provides funding to support businesses with the fixed costs of operating their business.  
4. Background and authority for the subsidy  
Legal authority for the scheme:  
• Sections 4 and 6 of the Small Landholders (S cotland) Act 1911;  
• Section 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982;  
• Section 37 of the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007;  
• UK Covid -19 Temporary Framework.  
5. Form of the subsidy  
Grant.  
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The scheme is targeted  at seafood processors and seafood businesses, including those involved in 
exporting live seafood and shellfish and undertaking associated husbandry. To be eligible for 
assistance, applicants must provide evidence of costs, previous three years of earnings  and evidence 
of hardship/difficulty.  
The maximum level of grant may vary depending on the business and the application, with the 
absolute maximum available being GBP 100,000. Grants were provided as a lump sum by electronic 
bank transfer.  
Records of all p ayments and relevant information on each individual aid payment granted is 
published on the Marine Scotland and/or Scottish Government website.  
7. Amount of the subsidy  
2021 Total: GBP 2,491,236.59.  
2022 Total: GBP 126,158.71.  
8. Duration of the subsidy  
The sche me was open for applications in tranches in 2020 & 2021, with a small amount of payments 
running into early 2022.  
9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
No statistical data is available.  G/SCM/N/401/GBR/Suppl.1  
 
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1.2.2   Marine Fund Scotland  
1. Title of the subsidy programme  
Marine Fund Scotland (MFS).  
2. Period covered by the notification  
2021 and 2022.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The objective of Marine Fund Scotland (MFS) is to support projects that deliver outcomes relating to 
Scotland 's Blue Economy Vision. Scotland 's Blue Economy Vision is that, by 2045, Scotland 's shared 
stewardship of the UK 's marine environment supports ecosystem health, improved livelihoods, 
economic prosperity, social inclusion and wellbeing.  
The specific  purposes for which support may be offered through the Marine Fund Scotland are:  
a. the conservation, enhancement or restoration of the marine and aquatic environment; 
including the conservation, enhancement or restoration of the natural beauty or amenity 
of marine or coastal areas, or of inland waters or waterside areas;  
b. the promotion or development of commercial fish or aquaculture activities;  
c. the reorganisation of businesses involved in commercial fish or aquaculture activities;  
d. contributing to the expenses  of persons involved in commercial fish or aquaculture 
activities;  
e. maintaining or improving the health and safety of individuals who are involved in 
commercial fish or aquaculture activities;  
f. the training of individuals who are, were or intend to become in volved in commercial fish 
or aquaculture activities, or are family members of such individuals;  
g. the economic development or social improvement of areas in which commercial fish or 
aquaculture activities are carried out; and  
h. the promotion or development of recreational fishing.  
4. Background and authority for the subsidy  
The legal authority for the scheme:  
• Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2007;  
• Fisheries Act 2020;  
• Aquaculture and Fisheries etc. (Scheme for Financial Assistance) (Scotland) 
Regulations  2022. 
The Marine Fund Scotland (MFS) opened in 2021. It is administered by the Scottish Government 's 
Marine Directorate.  
5. Form of the subsidy  
Grant.  
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
Beneficiaries of the scheme include fishermen, fishermen's organisatio ns, businesses involved with 
fisheries, aquaculture, fish processing sectors, fish producer organisations, professional 
organisations, research organisations, and cooperatives.  
The scheme is delivered via a competitive grant process. There are strict provi sions in place with 
regard to eligibility. Applicants seeking funding for projects already financed and completed, or 
projects funded from other schemes are excluded from this scheme, as well as applicants previously 
convicted of serious infringements or f raud.  Applicants must pass eligibility checks and a robust due 
diligence process.  G/SCM/N/401/GBR/Suppl.1  
 
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Beneficiaries are selected based on selection criteria with the criteria determining how the project 
can demonstrate value for money, deliverability, and its ability to meet  the scheme's objectives.  
Payments are made in arrears following submission of evidence of expenditure claimed. Successful 
projects require Project Progress reports as part of the deliverables. Grant awards are strictly for 
one financial year (FY), for example a grant awarded in FY 2021/22 is for work undertaken between 
1 April 2021 & 31 March 2022.  
7. Amount of the subsidy  
2021 Total: GBP 528,208.00.  
2022 Total: GBP 14,022,580.91.  
8. Duration of the subsidy  
The MFS opened in 2021 and will run to at least 2024 . 
9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
No statistical data is available.  
1.2.3   Seafood Producers Resilience Fund  
1. Title of the subsidy programme  
Seafood Producers Resilience Fund (SPRF).  
2. Period covered by the notification  
2021.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The objective of the Seafood Producers Resilience Fund (SPRF) was to provide support to eligible 
shellfish catchers and shellfish and trout aquaculture activities threa tened by the ongoing effects of 
covid-19 and difficult trading conditions.  
The scheme was split into separate funds covering sea fisheries and aquaculture related activities.  
4. Background and authority for the subsidy  
The scheme launched in February 2021. Th e deadlines for applications were 26 February 2021 for 
fishers and 23 April 2021 for aquaculture activities.  
The legal authority for the scheme was Section 37 of the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) 
Act 2007.  
5. Form of the subsidy  
Grant.  
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
Support for vessels  
The SPRF was available for Scottish registered static gear vessels, scallop vessels and nephrops 
trawlers of any length.  
To be eligible for the scheme, vessels must have:  
• Had annual UK landings exceeding GBP 20,000 in any one year from 2017 to 2020, and 
at least 50% of declared overall catch value landed anywhere in that year being shellfish.  G/SCM/N/401/GBR/Suppl.1  
 
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• Declared landings of shellfish into the UK in 2020.  
Grant amounts were calculated based on average fixed costs for a ve ssel of a given size and 
operating in a given fleet segment. The average fixed costs were calculated based on Sea fish Fleet 
Economic Statistics1 for 2016, 2017 and 2018, rounded to the nearest GBP 100.00 and include 
insurance, hire and maintenance, other  vessel expenses, interest, some other financial costs and 
harbour duties.  
Grants were paid as a lump sum by electronic bank transfer. In total there were 855 applications 
that received payments.  
Support for shellfish and trout aquaculture activities  
Applicants were required to demonstrate that they had an active and authorised aquaculture 
production business producing shellfish or trout for the table market. Eligibility varied depending on 
the value of shellfish and trout business sales for 2017, 2018 or 2 019. 
Support was provided through three monthly grant payments in respect of January, February and 
March 2021. Separate grant applications were required to be completed for each of the three 
months. Grant amounts were calculated on a case -by-case basis. Gr ants were paid as a lump sum 
by electronic bank transfer.  
Grants made under the SPRF were subject to a cap of GBP 40,500 per business or GBP 45,600 per 
business where the business also owns vessels in the catching sector eligible for support under the 
Fund. For support towards vessels, there was also a cap of GBP 22,800 per vessel.  
7. Amount of the subsidy  
Total grants awarded through the SPRF were:  
• Aquaculture Fund: GBP 392,422.00.  
• Sea fisheries Fund: 5,412,600.00.  
8. Duration of the subsidy  
The scheme launched in February 2021. The scheme has now closed with all payments being made.  
9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
No statistical information is available.  
 
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1 https://www.seafish.org/insight -and-research/fishing -data-and-insight/