What review has the Welsh Government undertaken regarding the funding support required by aquaculture businesses in Wales, with specific reference to seaweed farms?
I recently met representatives of the aquaculture industry to discuss our strategic approach to support the sector over the coming years. Sustainable growth of aquaculture in Wales is a key element of the Welsh National Marine Plan and we are aware of the environmental benefits low trophic aquaculture, such as shellfish and seaweed production brings. Aquaculture also has a role to play in mitigating against the climate and nature emergencies as well as contributing to blue recovery.
Funding is an important tool to enable development of the sector. We are in the process of developing a replacement to the EMFF to provide support to the sector, and stakeholders will be fully involved in the development of the scheme to inform priorities.