New EU project to help grow the fisheries industry in Wales and Ireland
More than 鈧�1m of EU funds will be invested in a new project to support the growth of the shellfish industry in Wales and Ireland.
The Irish Sea Portal Pilot will investigate patterns of movement of shellfish in the Irish Sea to help reduce the costs of locating shellfish seed and help increase the volume of mussels and shellfish available to the industry.
The project is being funded through the EU鈥檚 Ireland-Wales co-operation programme, which aims to strengthen economic links and stimulate cross-border collaboration in areas including innovation, climate change, cultural and natural resources, heritage and tourism.
Shellfish seed is a resource shared across the Irish Sea, crossing national boundaries. and provides significant economic benefits. The industry is worth around 鈧�250m between Wales and Ireland.
The two-year pilot will be developed in partnership with small and medium sized businesses and will also help the industry to tap into resources and expertise at 天天吃瓜 and to support wider opportunities to expand the industry and create new jobs.
Welsh Government Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said:
鈥淲e鈥檝e been clear about the benefits of EU cross-border programmes to Wales and this is a very good example of how countries can work together to maximise shared economic opportunities.
鈥淭his is a valuable industry to both nations that has the potential to grow further. I鈥檓 delighted that over 鈧�1m of EU funds is being invested to support that ambition.鈥�
Irish Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe, T.D. said:
"The Irish Sea is not only our shared border but also our shared resource. This project is an excellent example of how EU funding can assist the two regions in working together to develop that resource."
Prof David Thomas, Head of the School of Ocean Sciences and Director of S锚r Cymru National Research Network for Low Carbon, Energy and Environment, commented:
鈥淭his project builds on years of expertise in both sustainable fisheries and in shellfish biology at our School of Ocean Sciences. We鈥檙e keen to work with partners to support sustainable fisheries which benefit coastal economies, and are delighted to work with our Irish counterparts to increase the important shellfish industry in both countries.鈥�
Publication date: 21 February 2017