THE region's fishing industry is to be aided by a scheme aimed at helping skippers secure a better future.

Thirty skippers of fishing boats based in the North-East are to receive training giving them the chance to obtain a national qualification that shows competence at sea, up to NVQ level 3 or 4.

The scheme is supported by regional development agency One NorthEast and the first batch of ten skippers are already on the training programme.

It focuses on key fishing ports including Blyth and Amble, in Northumberland, North Shields, Sunderland, Hartlepool and Redcar.

They will be asked to prove they can manage their vessels safely, maintain them in good order, and will be taught how to maximise their catch potential by targeting niche markets.

The skippers will also be given business skills to help them diversify into other areas, such as taking out tourists on their boats.

One NorthEast has invested £179,000 in the scheme, which is being managed by the Anglo Scottish Seafish Industry Group Training Association, with additional funding from the Government.

David Allison, director of business and industry at One NorthEast, said: "Many of our communities are built around fishing's success, and their future depends on the industry continuing to be profitable."

One NorthEast is examining other ways of helping to secure a long-term future for the region's fishing industry, which remains a significant employer despite recent declines.

In 2003, 650 people were employed on fishing vessels on the North-East coast, and the value of landings was more than £10m per year. Processing of fish is worth £11m per year and employs 225 people in the region.