Oyster and trout producers to receive Coronavirus support

By Michael McHugh, PA

Producers of species like oysters and trout in Northern Ireland are to receive an emergency support package.

Fisheries minister Edwin Poots announced a £360,000 funding boost on Tuesday.

It aims to help aquaculture businesses that have experienced a significant drop in sales due to Covid-19 pandemic.

They employ around 131 people and support rural communities.

Mr Poots said: "Northern Ireland's fishing industry has faced extreme difficulties as a result of Covid-19 and is in urgent need of our support.

"I have already announced a £1.5 million support package to help the fishing fleet and today I am announcing a further support package of £360,000 targeted towards the aquaculture sector.

"The aim of the emergency package is to help this sector to continue its work in growing, harvesting, shipping and delivering to customers all over the world and help the sector to be sustainable and profitable in the long term."

The main species cultivated are mussels, oysters, salmon and trout.