Written question WQ91741

The Welsh Government is supporting fisheries and fishers in Wales in a number of ways, including through financial support and our sustainable management approaches and delivery tools.

On 29 February I announced the opening of the application window for funding round 4 of the Welsh Marine and Fisheries Scheme which will close on 10 May 2024. The scheme aims to ensure environmentally and economically sustainable growth in the sector and help coastal communities prosper into the future.

£1 million of Welsh Government funding is being made available and in line with stakeholder identified requirements, funding round four has a combination of revenue and capital funding available.

As set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS), Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) will be key tools to deliver sustainable and well-managed fisheries. FMPs will set strategic direction and provide a ‘road map’ for the management of key stocks including the development of future management measures, and I am committed to publishing the delivery of the FMP programme as outlined in the JFS.

I published the first FMPs, with DEFRA, for Sea Bass and King Scallop on 14 December 2023. I directed officials to establish new Bass and Scallop Advisory Groups, which have begun meeting this year, to assist in the implementation of the FMP actions in Wales over the next 6 years.