We have already committed 6 million to this EU scheme over the coming three years. In addition there is the separate 5m fund for fisheries in Cornwall. The main aims of these structural grants are to promote the adjustments which are needed across the sea fish industry. They will encourage fishermen to improve the quality and thus the value of the fish they catch, by careful handling at sea and on land. There is grant aid to promote the use of sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing methods, through the purchase of suitable gear.
Grants are also available for innovation in the processing and marketing of fish onshore.
The Government shares with fish catching and processing organisations the goal of a sustainable, viable future for the sea fish industry. We are taking firm action to address the long-term needs of the industry. A key priority is to protect our fisheries resources for the future. In close partnership with the fishing industry we are taking a lead in the EU in establishing the recovery plans for key stocks such as cod and hake. We will continue to take this work forward seeking an appropriate combination of measures to provide for stock recovery.