Fisheries and Seafood Scheme

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. 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 scheme will provide funding for a range of projects that deliver the following high-level outcomes:

  • Creating a more sustainable and resilient sector.
  • Boosting the demand for English seafood and accessing new markets.
  • Improving participation through co-design and co-management.
  • Achieving good environmental status through the conservation and restoration of the marine environment.
  • Supporting net zero through reducing emissions within the industry.

The amount of money will depend on the size of the business. The programme is delivered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of DEFRA. It is separate from the UK Seafood Fund.

Focus of fund/fund aims:

The fisheries and seafood scheme delivers investments to safeguard the long-term sustainability, resilience and prosperity of the seafood sector across England.

Application deadline:

The programme will run until April 2025

Fund description:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/fisheries-and-seafood-scheme