Marine Fund Scotland 2024-25 was officially launched on Thursday, marking the opening of applications for the fourth consecutive year of the fund.
Addressing the Fisheries Management Scotland conference, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon made the announcement, stating that a substantial sum of £14 million will be allocated to support projects aligned with Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision.
This initiative aims to revolutionize the utilization of the marine environment and the management of Scotland’s “blue” resources.
The Marine Fund Scotland provides financial assistance to a range of individuals, businesses, organizations, and communities to implement projects contributing to an innovative and sustainable marine economy. These projects are designed to bolster coastal communities, promote environmental stewardship, and advance Scotland’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions.
In the previous year, the Marine Fund Scotland awarded grants to a total of 91 projects, covering a wide spectrum of initiatives. Grant amounts varied, ranging from under £1,000 to a substantial £1.6 million.
Among the funded projects were endeavors aimed at modernizing seafood processing facilities to enhance energy efficiency, improving harbor infrastructure through community clean-ups and marine litter prevention efforts, enhancing safety training protocols for sea fishers, and conducting innovative research to safeguard Scotland’s iconic wild salmon populations.
Aquaculture supplier Vonin Scotland received more than £955,000 to establish a net washing and servicing station, with Mowi Scotland’s feed plant site at Kyleakin, Skye serving as its location.
Dr. Alan Wells, CEO of Fisheries Management Scotland, extended gratitude for the support received from the Marine Fund Scotland. He emphasized the fund’s critical role in protecting and conserving Scotland’s wild Atlantic salmon populations, particularly amidst the various challenges faced by these species.
In the previous fiscal year, Fisheries Management Scotland was awarded £750,000 from the Marine Fund Scotland to undertake four significant projects aimed at safeguarding declining wild salmon populations. These initiatives included the management of invasive non-native pink salmon in Scotland and the acquisition of essential monitoring equipment.
Applications for the Marine Fund Scotland 2024-25 are now open to interested parties. The guidance notes for potential applicants will be made available later today.
