The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme provides financial assistance for projects that support the development of the catching, processing and aquaculture sectors, and for projects that enhance the marine environment. It has re-opened with a further £6m of funding to distribute.
The scheme provides funding for activities that create a sustainable and resilient seafood sector, reduce emissions and waste, support nature recovery and boost economic growth.
Projects can be:
- fishing related activities including energy improvements on a vessel
- diversification and new forms of income
- support to improve the resilience and sustainability of shore-based facilities
- support for co-operative activities and advisory services
- conservation and restoration of the marine environment
- health and safety improvements
The scheme is available to applicants whose organisation and/or vessels are registered in England.
To be eligible, the applicant must be one of the following:
- an individual or business engaged within commercial/recreational sea fishing, aquaculture or processing
- a public body/local authority in a local community that has a focus on fishing/aquaculture activities (including trust ports and local authority ports, and public bodies, using funds for environmental improvements/management of fisheries)
- a university or research institute
- a new entrant to the industry or unemployed individual that could benefit from knowledge/skills in fishing/aquaculture activities
The amount of money will depend on the size and type of business. The programme is delivered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra.
Focus of fund/fund aims:
Funding to support the fisheries and seafood sector
Application deadline:
Applications with a total project cost of £150,000 or more must be submitted by 21 July 2025