EU pledges € 6 billion to help seafood businesses become more sustainable

THE European Union has set aside more than six billion euros (£5.3 billion) to help fishing and aquaculture businesses move towards a more sustainable future.

A total of € 6.14 billion will be spread over six years and channelled through a new look European Maritime and Fish- eries Fund (EMFF).

But for the first time, UK businesses will be left out because when the fund comes into force in 2021 Britain will have left the EU and the follow-up transition period will have come to an end.

Coastal communities will receive more and broader support to set up lo- cal partnerships and technology transfers in all blue economy sectors, including aquaculture.

The European Commission said: ‘It will also help unleash the growth potential of a sustainable blue economy towards a more prosperous future for coastal communities.’