The government has committed £24 million in new investment for fishing businesses around the UK, with the goal to help the development of new technology and world-class research.
It is hoped that the funding will boost productivity within the sector and improve its sustainability, while also building back as strong as possible following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The UK has enjoyed an increase in quota fish stocks of mackerel and herring, with the government hoping to see the industry benefit further as a result of Brexit.
The funding comes as the first part of a new £100 million UK Seafood Fund, which hopes to support the industry process more fish in the UK and create jobs.
This should in turn boost coastal communities and upskill local people working to promote safe and sustainable fishing methods.
"Over the last nine months, we have taken some important steps in the right direction for our fishing industry," said environment secretary George Eustace.
"We’ve taken our independent seat at the Regional Fisheries Management Organisations, we have agreed a quota exchange mechanism, and we have seen an uplift in quota for UK vessels.
"Now, this major investment will benefit coastal communities up and down the UK. The first investment from our £100M Seafood Fund will boost science and innovation in the fishing industry and, coupled with our Fisheries Act, help us ensure that we have the most sustainable fleet in the world."
A Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships scheme has also been launched to fund research into better managing UK fish stocks.
The scheme with gather data and research ways to increase sustainability within the sector.
"I am particularly delighted to see the launch of this scheme for Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships," said fisheries biologist and senior lecturer at University of York Dr Bryce Stewart.
"Our recent research shows that such collaborations are vital for increasing trust and developing more effective and efficient management measures. Ultimately this should lead to more productive fisheries and a healthier marine environment."
