26.05.05
Looe Harbour Makes the Most of Objective One Funding

Looe Harbour has received investment in the region of half a million pounds for ten projects to improve facilities for the fishing industry. The Objective One Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG) investment since 2002 includes, upgrading of fish processing units on the quay; upgrading of the fog signal and pier light; provision of a chill room for storage; an ice plant; an electronic auction for the fish market; the installation of a crane and the purchase of a box washer.

The projects have brought great benefit to the harbour's fleet of fishing boats and to four fish processors in the town. Looe has a reputation for its high quality fish and the projects all contribute to this top quality image. Tina Hick's of Looe Harbour Commissioners said: "The Looe Harbour Commissioners foresee a future for the fishing industry in Looe and so believe in investing in projects to meet the fishing industry's needs. However, due to the current state of the industry, grant support is needed in Looe to meet these needs and ensure the Harbour can support any future developments. With the assistance of Objective One funding, we have successfully completed a number of projects which have not only served to improve the facilities available within the port, but have also indirectly secured many of the jobs of people working within the port, in addition to creating a number of additional job opportunities.

"The projects have also ensured that the fish being exported from the port is of the best possible quality, thus maintaining Looe's reputation for supplying prime day caught fish and to secure its future as a modern thriving fishing port. We are currently preparing funding applications for three additional projects, which we hope will be looked upon favourably by the Objective One panel."

Clare Leverton, Objective One Fisheries Programme Manager commented: "The ten projects in Looe show what positive forward thinking port management can achieve over a few years to become a real success story for fishing in Cornwall and to enhance Cornwall's reputation for quality fish."

For further information contact Clare Leverton, Objective One Fisheries Programme Manager on 01872 270333 or email: admin@swpesca.co.uk.

The Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has invested in the fishing industry through the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance Fund (FIFG).

Editor's notes:

Objective One Fisheries Programme

Cornwall's Objective One Fisheries programme will provide £10 million from April 2001 to March 2006 to the fishing industry in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The funds are a mixture of EU and national funds, through the Financial Instruments for Fisheries Guidance fund (FIFG) and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The projects are approved by the DEFRA in partnership with an Objective One Fisheries Management Group, made up of local fishing sector representatives. South West Pesca Ltd assists applicants to develop projects by providing guidance and help on completing application forms and submitting applications.

Up to 40% (35% EU and 5% National) grants are available for the private sector projects and 75% grants for the public sector projects. So far 205 projects have been approved with £5,243,213.72 of funds committed to these projects.

Examples of projects funded by the Objective One Programme:

• Vessel Modernisation:
Adoption of sustainable fishing methods, maximising fish quality
On board fishing vessels, and improvements to crew comfort and
Working conditions

• Improvement of fishing ports

• Processing and marketing of fishery and aquaculture products

• Product promotion

• Projects by members of the trade of collective benefit to the fishing industry

• Innovative measures

• Aquaculture

• Protection and development of aquatic resources by fixed of movable Structures

For further information contact, Clare Leverton, South West Pesca Ltd, Trevint House, Strangways Villas, Truro, TR1 2PA. Tel: 01872 270333 Fax: 01872 242470, www.swpesca.co.uk.

Clare Morgan
Media Relations Manager
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mobile: 07973 813647
Telephone: 01872 223439

cmorgan@cornwall.gov.uk

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