A scheme to financially support Jersey’s fishing industry has been extended to the end of the year with up to £400,000 of funding available.
Since May 2021, the Fisheries Support Scheme has supported businesses directly involved in activities related to fisheries. Phase 1 of the scheme ended on 31 August, but businesses will now be able to claim fixed cost and salary support up to 31 December 2021.
During Phase 1, a total of around £120,000 was paid to businesses in the sector, with 18 claimants receiving salary support and seven claimants receiving fixed cost support. In Phase 2, the scheme’s objectives will remain:
- to ensure that Jersey maintains the core infrastructure and critical mass of the fisheries sector to continue to operate as a sustainable and viable part of Jersey’s economy;
- to provide bridging support during the period of disruption to export routes and market access, while other initiatives to facilitate trade are developed
The Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Deputy Kirsten Morel said: “There is continued uncertainty around access to Jersey waters, and Brexit-related barriers to Jersey’s long-established markets in Europe, and ongoing pressures on key stocks. It is therefore appropriate that businesses in the fishing sector continue to have support to help them through these difficult times.”
The Minister for Treasury and Resources, Deputy Susie Pinel, has approved the use of unspent funding, which was previously allocated to enable the scheme to continue. The Fisheries Support Scheme will be delivered in partnership with Jersey Business. Details of the scheme are available on gov.je