Fishermen, seafood businesses, and coastal communities can now
apply for funding through the relaunched Fisheries and Seafood
Scheme (FaSS), funded from the over £132 million committed to the
Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund over the next five years.
The major investment from the UK Government will
begin to be delivered through an
updated Fisheries and Seafood Scheme
(FaSS). The multi-year scheme will support
projects that make a real difference to the industry and to
coastal life. Following engagement with
industry, this includes improving workforce
development, health and safety, seafood
processing, community partnerships and local
regeneration, port and harbour infrastructure, as well
as trade and market access.
In response to feedback from stakeholders, the fund
is diversifying and
is open to businesses, organisations, education
institutions, community groups and
charities of all sizes, as well as port authorities and
harbours and coastal councils. Small-scale
operators and those who have not previously
received grant funding are encouraged to
apply.
Early engagement has also resulted in applicants now
being able to apply for multi-year projects, delivered across
several years, giving businesses and communities greater scope
to plan ahead and deliver lasting change
Around £6 million has also been ring-fenced
specifically for small-scale coastal
fishers, with guidance and practical support available
throughout the application process. Small businesses and
community organisations are encouraged to work together locally
or regionally to strengthen their applications.
Fisheries Minister Dame said:
The sector told us what they wanted and we listened. This scheme
is the start of change, beginning with ring-fenced support for
the small-scale coastal fleet, funding rounds to support higher
value projects, and multi-year funding.
With £132 million available over the next five years, the
relaunched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme will help businesses and
organisations of all sizes to build long-term resilience across
the industry.
Whether that's through safer vessels, better seafood processing
facilities, stronger supply chains, or improved port
infrastructure, this funding is designed to make a real and
lasting difference.
The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme is administered by the Marine
Management Organisation and funded through Defra's Fishing and
Coastal Growth Fund.
Paul Errington, Acting Director of Finance,
MMO:
Since opening in 2021, the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme has been
incredibly successful with £40 million invested in 1,892
projects supporting England's catching, aquaculture and
processing sectors, as well as projects that continue to be
improving our marine environment.
With this new funding we can continue to build on the legacy of
this scheme and ensure the long-term success and
sustainability of key coastal industries and
communities.
MMO will also provide clear guidance,
straightforward deadlines and upfront criteria to make
the process simpler and easier to
navigate. Smaller project applications will be considered by
MMO, with support for first time applicants. Grants
for larger projects valued over £250,000 will be
assessed and considered by panel with further
details on the types of projects that are eligible to be
provided. Deadlines to submit applications to
panel in 2026, include:
-
Panel 1: Submit by 1 May 2026
-
Panel 2: Submit by 12 June 2026
-
Panel 3: Submit by 4 September
2026
Find out more, check your eligibility and
apply.
More information on the Fishing and Coastal Growth
Fund.
Additional Information
The Fishing Coastal Growth Fund in England is intended
to operate as a multi‑year funding scheme, with a total
value of £304 million over 12 years. Around £132
million is expected to be allocated up to
the financial year 2030 to 2031.
