Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made on the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.

Following wide-ranging stakeholder engagement last year, key priorities for support were identified by industry. In response, the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme in England was adapted to start delivering these priorities, including ring-fencing £6 million for the small-scale coastal fleet and introducing competitive funding rounds for high-value projects. Since launching in April, around 260 applications, worth around £15 million, have been received.

In addition, across the UK, seafood exports are being supported through the £1.5 million per year Seafood Export Package. We remain committed to continuing to develop the fund, for example through the FCGF Expert Advisory Group, ensuring it continues to reflect sector priorities and needs.