The fishing industry is to share almost £3 million to invest in new markets and safeguard almost 600 jobs, it has been announced.
The European fisheries fund money will be split among 39 companies in a sector worth more than £1 billion to the Scottish economy.
Scottish Ministers revealed the cash boost before a planned visit on Tuesday to a major seafood show in Brussels.
Environment minister Roseanna Cunningham said: "Scotland is rightly renowned around the world for the quality of its fish and shellfish.
"The fishing, processing and aquaculture sectors support thousands of jobs directly and indirectly, often in rural and coastal communities, and make a huge contribution to our economy.
"In these difficult times it is vital we ensure they have a sustainable and profitable future."
The government said 597 jobs could be safeguarded and 55 created with the £2.9 million funding.
About £203,000 of the money will go to Scottish Quality Salmon (SQS) to help break into new markets and target customers in France.
In 1992, Scottish salmon became the first non-French food to achieve Label Rouge status, the top award there.
SQS chief executive Scott Landsburgh said: "Demand for high-quality farmed salmon is high and continues to grow despite the economic climate.
"We are delighted to be able to continue developing this very important export market and contributing to the Scottish economy."
Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead will also be at the event in Belgium as part of plans to encourage more people to eat fish.
More than 1,600 industry firms from 80 countries - including 20 from Scotland - are expected at the European Seafood Exposition.
The Government said the event in 2008 created £2.8 million of new business for Scotland.
Last updated: 27 April 2009, 19:12
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