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£78m fund to help fishers deal with impact of discard ban

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Scottish fishers will be given a chance to apply for EU funding worth £78million from next month.

The cash from the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund (EMFF) has been put forward to help fishers cope with the impact of the discard ban and support the economic growth of the marine sector.

The ban has already been applied to pelagic species, like mackerel, but from January it will include demersal fish, such as haddock and sole.

It stipulates that fishers have to land and dispose of unmarketable fish instead of just throwing them overboard.

The discard ban, or landing obligation as it is known in the industry, is a central pillar of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, which is designed to cut waste and end overfishing.

The funding will support the development of innovative gear for more selective fishing, as well as the provision of training and safety advice throughout the supply chains.

There is also scope to put some of the money towards port and harbour improvements.

Marine Scotland is administering the funding scheme, which opens to applicants on January 18 and runs until 2020.

Scotland’s share represents just 1.9% of the total pot, even though the country lands 8% of the 28-member-state bloc’s catch.

The Scottish Government said the discrepancy means the money needs to be spent wisely to support the country’s fishers and local communities.

Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Our fishing industry is a crucial part of many rural and coastal communities and I am encouraging them to apply for a share of £107million funding to support fishermen, processors, fishing communities and aquaculture sector.

“This funding will also help the fleet adapt to the challenges of the discard ban, to manage our natural resources, conserve fish stocks, and play a meaningful role in improving global food security.

“The importance of the new EMFF package to Scotland is clear and with the introduction of the discard ban it is more important than ever that Scottish interests are represented fairly and we get the best deal possible for our fishermen.”

EMFF support packages have also been handed to authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.