Following an urgent letter from Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS, in her remit as the Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, the Welsh Government have clarified that they are continuing to “monitor the difficult market situation for the Welsh seafood industry” and have committed to evaluating what “other options there might be for supporting the sector.” 

Mrs Finch-Saunders’ urgent letter (dated 13 January 2021) to the Minister for Economy and Transport came as the Welsh fisheries sector reports their exclusion from the ERF Sector Specific Grant due to the requirement to employ between 1 and 10 employees via PAYE. Many Welsh crew members are instead employed on a share of catch basis. 

Last week, the UK Government announced a new package of financial support for the UK’s fishing businesses, pledging to provide the seafood export sector with funding of up to £23 million. The support package is designed to assist businesses which have been adversely affected by the COVID pandemic and the challenges of adjusting to new requirements for exporting. It will target small and medium enterprises, and the maximum claim available to individual operators will be £100,000.  

Commenting on the commitment, Janet said:  

“As a nation with a proud seafaring tradition, the importance of the seafood sector cannot be overstated. The recently announced package of financial support from the UK Government will not only patch over the gaps left by the Welsh ERF scheme, but also help to ensure that Welsh fisheries remain resilient for future generations. 

“This is essential as our fisheries carry many benefits for Wales, from job creation to sustainable food production. In fact, Welsh shellfish farming – such as that which takes place in my own constituency of Aberconwy - is a low impact activity that has positive environmental benefits and can be compatible with most conservation designations. 

“Whilst I certainly welcome the Minister’s reply to my urgent letter, I am disappointed that it has been left to action from Westminster to ensure that our fishers are appropriately supported. The Minister should be assured that his warm words do not mean that the Welsh Government is off the hook. 

“Cardiff Bay has a responsibility to ensure the longevity and survival of our coastal communities. As distribution of this vital UK Government assistance is set to begin, it is imperative that the devolved administration ensures that no Welsh fisher or seafood exporter is left short by exploring all other support options on the table.” 

Notes to Editors: 

• The Minister’s letter can be found attached. 
• The Marine Management Organisation will administer the UK Government scheme on behalf of exporters across the UK. Defra say that more details will be available on eligibility criteria in the coming days, following ongoing consultations with industry and the devolved administrations. 
• Some fisherman may be able to benefit from our Discretionary Assistance Fund which provides grants to people in need of urgent help during the crisis, including those waiting for benefit payments and those in employment who are facing hardship. Further information is available at https://gov.wales/discretionary-assistance-fund-daf 
• As many Welsh fishers are self-employed or share fishers, they may be eligible to access support from the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme on an individual basis: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support. 

Photo: Paul Einerhand at UnSplash