8 million euros approved for 2 new projects

This month we’ve approved two new projects, bringing the total number of projects approved in the last five months to eight - an ERDF budget of 28.1 million euros!

The two latest projects will focus on the Programme’s specific objective 3.2 that aims to protect the environment and eco-systems in the Channel area.

Details of the two projects can be found below:

S3 - EUROHAB - Led by Plymouth Marine Laboratory, this project will use the latest satellite technology to improve the way water quality and harmful algal blooms (HABS) are monitored in the English Channel. A web based alert system, the first of its kind in Europe, will be developed to alert marine managers and fishing industries of the growth of potentially damaging algal blooms. This will help reduce the millions of pounds lost each year as a result of HABs in both France and the UK.

ERDF budget - 2.6 million euros

SAMARCH¹ - With Atlantic salmon and sea trout populations (salmonids) declining by as much as 70% since the 1970s, this project led by the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust will provide vital research on these populations. The research will focus on several key areas including tracking the movements of salmonid populations in river and coastal waters to determine where they are dying. The results of the research will then be used to implement new regulation that could lead to a 6-9% increase in the adult population of Atlantic salmon in the Channel area.

ERDF budget – 5.4 million euros

1. The project’s approval is dependent on the project meeting a number of conditions outlined by the Selection Sub-Committee.