Panorama of Salmon fish farm net pens on Loch Harport with evening sun on Beinn Dhubh from Portnalong, Isle of Skye, Scotland.
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Marine Fund Scotland will award a total of 91 marine and fishing projects, with grants ranging from just under £1,000 up to £1.6 million. These projects will support innovation and sustainable practices for the marine economy, including work to reduce carbon emissions.
In more detail, the projects will be based on modernising seafood processing facilities to reduce energy and increase efficiencies, harbour improvements and new marine research to drive innovation using the latest available technology and data to protect wild salmon and manage non-native invasive species.
The Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, said through a statement: "The successful organisations and individuals are helping to drive innovation in the marine sector and support coastal communities and I am pleased to confirm such a wide variety of recipients."
"Now in its third year, Marine Fund Scotland has enabled a range of exciting and pioneering projects designed to support our marine ecosystem, improve economic prosperity and enhance social inclusion, all key pillars of our Blue Economy Vision," she added.
The Scottish government confirmed that Fraserburgh Harbour, home to the Moray East Offshore Windfarm Marine Base, received nearly £1.2 million for harbour wall improvements and a marine litter project.
In addition, Pamela Neri, Harbour Development Manager at Fraserburgh Harbour stated: "We are grateful for the recent grant assistance from the Scottish Government’s Marine Fund Scotland which plays a significant role in our ongoing development."
"The additional funding to enable the purchase of a trash skimmer has allowed us to tackle water pollution and reduce the Harbour’s impact on the environment," she concluded.