Two marine-based firms in Wales have been awarded over £3m in funding from a 海角视频 Government seafood scheme. Pembrokeshire businesses The Port of Milford Haven and Câr-y-Môr secured the sums from the second funding round of Defra's 海角视频 Seafood Fund Infrastructure Scheme.
The Port of Milford Haven has been awarded £2.6m to deliver a suite of interlinked, major regeneration works at Milford Fish Docks, including the construction of a new pontoon for 25 to 30 inshore fishing vessels, in a bid to boost capability to sustainably land, process and add value to produce for local, regional and international markets.
Defra has awarded Câr-y-Môr (meaning for the love of the sea) £1.1m to expand its seaweed production facilities by developing a seaweed processing unit with storage, equipment, shop and educational hub. Located in St David's, the community benefit society's project will increase the storage of bait (1.5 tonnes), frozen produce (1 tonne), fresh produce (500kg) and live products (300kg) while reducing its carbon footprint from 31.9 tonnes to at least 24.7 tonnes by March 2025.
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This is the second round of funding by the 海角视频 Seafood Fund Infrastructure Scheme which aims to boost the 海角视频's seafood supply chain, reduce the seafood industry's impact on the environment, and increase seafood exports. Its first funding round saw £16m awarded to six projects (four projects in England and two projects in Scotland).
The second round of funding, valued at £40.1m, was awarded to 21 projects, including two in Wales.
MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire Stephen Crabb said: "I’m delighted to hear the announcement that “For The Love Of The Sea Limited” (Câr Y Môr) has been successful in being awarded over £1million from the 海角视频 Seafood Fund: Infrastructure Scheme - Round 2. This 海角视频 Government funding will provide extra impetus to grow this exciting innovation, created by a local Community Benefit Society, which will see a Seaweed biostimulant Refinery built in St Davids."
He added: "I was pleased to see the Port of Milford Haven is receiving over £3 million in funding from 海角视频 Seafood Fund: Infrastructure Scheme - Round 2. This important funding will support the regeneration of Milford Fish Docks and will provide new pontoons, storage, an ice plant and moorings for the inshore fleet. Fishing remains an important industry in Milford Haven, and this funding will help keep the facilities the industry needs up to date."
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Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey, said: "The 海角视频 has some of the finest fish stocks in the world, forming an integral part of healthy marine ecosystems while providing livelihoods, enjoyment and prosperity to coastal communities.
"Today’s reforms mark a clear departure from the outdated Common Fisheries Policy now we are an independent coastal state, and will deliver the 海角视频’s ambition to build a modern, resilient and profitable fishing industry underpinned by sustainable fish stocks and a healthy marine environment for the future."
Mike Cohen, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said: "For centuries, fishing has produced food, provided jobs and supported communities. Measures to strengthen fishing businesses and enhance their sustainable growth will bring tangible benefits to the 海角视频.
"Fisheries Management Plans represent a genuinely ambitious attempt to break away from the unsuccessful top-down impositions of the CFP and unite fishers, scientists and regulators in building something new and better. Fishermen’s livelihoods depend on healthy seas and sensible regulations. We welcome this opportunity to collaborate in shaping them."
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