Fishing industry reel in £230k crisis fund

Monday 22 June 2020

Over £230k has been released to help the fishing industry tackle the challenges it faces in the aftermath of the pandemic over the next two months - but funding will be capped at £10,000 for the largest vessels in Jersey’s maritime fleet.

Landing up to £233,400, the Fisheries Support Scheme will provide financial assistance over the summer to help the industry recover following the virus outbreak and accompanying lockdown.

The industry had been angling for more support after the closure of the export market and local hospitality businesses had severe impacts on the sector.

The parameters of the scheme are detailed in a Ministerial Decision, which shows that support will be offered on a monthly basis for each vessel according to its length. Funding for any one vessel is capped at £10,000 over June and July.

A table included in this report shows that the largest vessels in Jersey’s fishing fleet (between 15-23.9metres) will receive a maximum amount of £10,000 in June and nothing in July. 

Pictured: The support will be released monthly and depending on the size of each vessel.

Laying out the reasons for releasing the funding, the decision states: “The island’s fishing fleet has been significantly impacted by the economic consequences of covid-19. The closure of hotels and restaurants in Jersey and in European markets required to manage the virus has substantially reduced demand for fish. 

“This collapse in demand brought about by covid-19 is compounded by poor winter weather and Brexit uncertainty that had already affected fishing businesses prior to the pandemic and reduced the industry’s ability to manage further disruption. As a consequence, despite the fact that fishing can continue under the public health guidelines, the survival of the island’s fishing fleet is considered to be at risk.”

The funds, taken from the General Reserve, have been approved by Treasury Minister Deputy Susie Pinel to support fisheries in June and July. The Minister confirmed that “a review will be conducted before the end of July to determine whether further support will be needed after that month.” 

Commenting on the support, Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham added: “The fishing industry is an important part of Jersey’s economy, and it is in need of short-term assistance. Islanders are supporting by buying direct from fishermen, but the effect of covid-19 on the hospitality sector - combined with the restricted access to the French market - is having a severe impact on this industry. This support is needed to ensure these Jersey businesses can weather this challenging period.”

The Government say that governance and conditions for the receipt of funds have been set and fishing businesses will be contacted with instruction on how to apply.

Environment Minister Deputy John Young said that the virus crisis is not the only challenge facing the industry, but that local fishermen and women must also brace themselves for the UK leaving the European Union.

He said: “Jersey’s fishermen are having a tough time, not only because of the impact of covid-19 but also because of the uncertainty created by Brexit, and this scheme is intended to provide some short-term relief to enable them to continue.”