Yell shellfish farming business to benefit from Marine Fund Scotland grant

A YELL based mussel farming business is the only solely Shetland based beneficiary in the latest round of funding from Marine Fund Scotland, announced today (Wednesday).

C & A Thomason Ltd, based at Cullivoe Pier, is due to receive just over £213,000 in financial assistance to help purchase a new workboat.

The investment will allow the company to increase production to meet growing demand.

Meanwhile, KIMO – the international network of coastal local authorities which has its secretariat based at Shetland Islands Council – is in line to receive £218,800 to continue its efforts in removing litter from the sea.

More than 2,000 tonnes of marine litter have been collected and brought ashore since the Fishing for Litter initiative started in 2005.

Today, more than 300 vessels and 20 harbours in Scotland participate in the voluntary initiative.

And the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation will receive almost £530,000 from the Scottish Government for a project that allows observers onboard of fishing vessels in a bid to provide better information for annual stock assessments.

A total of 60 projects have been successful in applying for public funds.

Details were announced by rural affairs secretary Mairi Gougeon on Wednesday during a visit to the Scottish Shellfish Marketing Group’s processing facility at Bellshill.

“Marine Fund Scotland has enabled some really exciting projects in the past and I’m confident that this round of funding will play an important role in continuing to help our marine and fisheries businesses to develop and move to the next level,” she said.

“The Marine Fund Scotland will continue to be key in supporting sustainable development of Scotland’s Blue Economy – investing in Scotland’s seafood sectors, creating sustainable jobs, and helping to protect Scotland’s marine environment.”