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The GBP 60 million is in addition to the GBP 85 million already allocated for UK fisheries structural aid in the period 2001-2004.
Prime Minister Tony Blair, Mr Morley and Fisheries Ministers from Scotland and Northern Ireland met fishing industry representatives from around the UK on 28 January.
The GBP 6.4 million English package is made up of:
GBP 5 million to fund voluntary decommissioning of boats
GBP 400,000 to part-fund (at a grant rate of 40 per cent) newly-compulsory satellite tracking equipment for boats between 15m and 24m in length
A further GBP 1m to be allocated in consultation with the fishing industry, with particular emphasis on funding projects in which fishermen and scientists work in partnership
There will also be help for fisheries-dependent communities. Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), which have responsibility for regeneration and economic development in England and their counterparts in Scotland and NI will co-ordinate a response in, affected areas.
Elliot Morley said: "The very poor state of North Sea cod stocks led December's EU Fisheries Council to agree emergency measures including a restriction on days at sea and quota cuts. Many fishermen will be able to continue to operate under the new rules but I recognise that the constraints are real and that some coastal fisheries communities may be hit."
The aid package, he said, included a substantial sum for voluntary decommissioning and focussed help in affected ports would "promote long-term sustainability for the industry, in the face of sharply diminished catching opportunities."
The size of the decommissioning element of the English package by comparison to Scotland's reflects the proportionately smaller English effort on cod in the North Sea and West of Scotland areas.
Removing 15-20 per cent of the English fleet's fishing effort on cod would mean that fleet capacity was better matched to fishing opportunities.
The new regulations limiting fishermen's days at sea come into force on 1 February.
In a written statement, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett said the intention to remove 15-20 per cent of the English fleet's fishing effort on cod in the North Sea and West of Scotland, and similar schemes proposed by the Scottish Executive and in Northern Ireland, would secure the 15 day per month allowance for fishing in the new interim EU scheme for limiting time at sea.
The EU decided in December that to improve control of fisheries satellite tracking equipment should be extended to 15-24 metre boats. "To help fishermen will provide GBP 400,000 over two years to allow 40 per cent grant to be paid towards the cost of the terminals and their installation.
She added that the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations had emphasised strengthening the involvement of the fishing industry in the assessment of stocks, in close partnership with scientists. "We warmly welcome their approach, which will help to ensure a fuller appreciation of the state of and prospects for fish stocks. We will provide additional funds for this purpose and will consult them on how this initiative might best be taken forward," said Mrs Beckett, who added that GBP 1 million would be set aside for the purpose.
By Peter Johnson
FIS Europe
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