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:
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Creating a sustainable and resilient seafood sector
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Reduce emissions and waste from the seafood sector
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Clean up rivers, lakes, seas and support nature
recovery
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Boost regional and economic growth within the seafood
sector
Fisheries Minister 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
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Learn more about the legacy of FaSS through MMOs selected case
studies.
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£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.
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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.
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MMO is also on hand to provide expert advice to those
considering applying. Telephone 0208 026 5539 or email
FaSS.queries@marinemanagement.org.uk
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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.