LONDON, April 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Themajor investmentfrom the UK Governmentwill begin tobedeliveredthroughan updatedFisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS).Themulti-yearscheme will support projects that make a real difference to the industry and to coastal life.Following engagement with industry,thisincludesimprovingworkforce development, health and safety,seafood processing,community partnerships and local regeneration,portand harbour infrastructure, as well astrade and market access.
In response to feedback from stakeholders, the fund isdiversifying and isopentobusinesses,organisations,education institutions,communitygroupsand charitiesof all sizes,as well as port authorities and harbours andcoastalcouncils.Small-scale operators and those who have notpreviously receivedgrant fundingare encouragedto apply.
Early engagement has alsoresulted inapplicants now being able to apply for multi-year projects, delivered across several years, giving businesses and communities greater scope toplan aheadand deliver lasting change.
Around£6 million hasalsobeen ring-fenced specifically for small-scale coastal fishers,withguidance and practical support available throughout the application process. Small businesses and community organisations are encouraged to work together locally orregionally to strengthen their applications.
Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle 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 £40million 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 sustainabilityofkey coastal industries and communities.
MMOwillalsoprovideclear guidance, straightforwarddeadlinesand upfront criteria to make the processsimpler andeasier to navigate.Smaller project applications will be considered by MMO, with support for first time applicants.Grants forlargerprojects valued over £250,000 will be assessedand consideredby panelwith further details on the types of projects that are eligible to be provided.Deadlines tosubmitapplications to panelin 2026, include:
*
Panel 1:Submitby 1 May 2026
*
Panel 2:Submitby 12 June 2026
*
Panel 3:Submitby4September 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 tooperateas a multi‑year funding scheme, with a total value of £304 million over 12 years.Around£132 millionis expectedto beallocatedup to thefinancial year2030 to 2031.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
