Fishers, seafood businesses and coastal communities across England are reminded and encouraged to apply for grant funding via the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS).
The Marine Management Organisation, who administers the scheme on behalf of Defra, are encouraging more small-scale operators and fishermen to come forward and apply. £6m of funding has been ring-fenced for the Small Scale Coastal Fleet and MMO is also offering support for first time applicants to help them through the application process.
The scheme is open to anyone involved in fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, marine conservation or related environmental work. It can support a wide range of activities, including:
- Improving the resilience and sustainability of shore-based facilities
- Cooperative activities, building capability and advisory services
- Fishing related activities including energy improvements on a vessel
- Health and safety improvements
- Achieving good environmental status through the conservation and restoration of the marine environment
- Diversification and new forms of income
Applicants are asked to review the relevant guidance note for the type of project they are seeking funding for, before submitting an application.
This year’s priorities for funding rounds are labour and workforce development, community partnerships, and infrastructure. Applications with a grant value of £250,000 or more for measures covered by funding rounds must be considered by the funding round panel. The next panel deadline for projects over £250,000 is Friday 4 September 2026. An additional panel date has been added, with a deadline of Friday 13 November 2026, giving high-value project applicants more opportunity to submit. All projects below £250,000 will be assessed on a first come first served basis.
Paul Errington, Acting Director of Finance at MMO, said:
We’ve seen an encouraging response to the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, with hundreds of applications received and funding already approved for projects across England. We’re particularly keen to hear from small-scale operators and fishermen who may not have considered applying yet, this funding is here for you, and we can support you through the application process. We’re also pleased to provide a new panel date for higher value submissions in November.
For more information and to apply, please visit: Fisheries and Seafood Scheme – GOV.UK
