Fisheries and Seafood Scheme reopens with around £6 million of investment

Administered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra, around £6 million in funding is open to seafood and marine businesses, recreational sector, charities and other organisations. 

The latest round of funding is available to support projects in the 2025/2026 financial year which focus on the following priorities: 

• Creating a sustainable and resilient seafood sector 

• Reduce emissions and waste from the seafood sector 

• Clean up rivers, lakes, seas and support nature recovery 

• Boost regional and economic growth within the seafood sector 

Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner said: 

I'm thrilled to further invest in our exceptional seafood industry, demonstrating our steadfast support for England's coastal communities alongside our substantial £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. 

This is on top of our new agreement with the EU, which will boost exports by making it easier for producers to sell their high-quality products to our largest trading partner. 

“This government is committed to creating a sustainable seafood sector that grows local economies while safeguarding our precious marine habitats, all central to our Plan for Change.

Paul Errington, Acting Director of Finance and Resources at MMO, said: 

We're proud to facilitate the delivery of continued financial support through FaSS, which has already had a real impact across England's fishing communities and coast. 

This new round of funding will deliver investment to safeguard the long-term sustainability, resilience and prosperity of England catching, aquaculture and processing sectors as well as continue efforts to protect our precious marine environment. 

This round of FaSS builds on four successful years of the scheme, which has seen more than £35 million committed and over 1700 projects approved, ranging from marine litter removal and funding for vital processing equipment to promoting careers within the industry. 

Fishing and coastal communities are also set to benefit from £360 million investment to drive growth and boost the sector for the future as the Government launches its Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, a major investment to support the next generation of fishermen and breathe new life into our coastal communities as part of the Government's Plan for Change. 

A new agreement with the EU will also cut red tape for seafood exporters and reopen certain markets for British shellfish, making it easier to sell our fish to our biggest trading partner. 

Applicants can find out more about FaSS, access scheme guidance and submit their application online.

Additional information

• Learn more about the legacy of FaSS through MMOs selected case studies. 

• £1 million from the total fund has been set aside specifically to support the seafood processing sector and to help businesses get their products from the sea to the consumer.  

• Applications with a total project cost of £150,000 or more must be considered by the FaSS panel, which is responsible for reviewing and recommending projects in line with the overall objectives of the scheme. Projects over £150,000 must be submitted by 21 July 2025. The panel is expected to meet to consider these during the week commencing 8 September 2025. 

• MMO is also on hand to provide expert advice to those considering applying. Telephone 0208 026 5539 or email FaSS.queries@marinemanagement.org.uk 

• Fishing and coastal communities are also set to benefit from £360 million investment to drive growth and boost the sector for the future as the Government launches its Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.