Photo by Leon Bredella
England’s fishing industry, seafood businesses and coastal communities can now apply for grants through a relaunched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), backed by £132 million from the government’s Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund over the next five years. The announcement was made on 13 April by Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle, with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) administering the scheme on behalf of Defra.
What the scheme covers
The funding has been updated following stakeholder engagement, with eligible projects now spanning workforce development, health and safety, seafood processing, community partnerships and local regeneration, port and harbour infrastructure, and trade and market access. The scheme is open to businesses, organisations, education institutions, community groups, charities, port authorities, harbour operators and coastal councils of all sizes. In a notable shift from previous rounds, applicants can now submit proposals for multi-year projects, giving businesses and communities greater scope to plan and deliver longer-term change.
Around £6 million has been ring-fenced specifically for small-scale coastal fishers – a sector that has historically struggled to access grant funding – with dedicated guidance and practical support available throughout the application process. Small businesses and community organisations are encouraged to collaborate locally or regionally to strengthen their bids.
Track record and ambitions
Paul Errington, Acting Director of Finance at the MMO, noted that since the scheme opened in 2021, £40 million has been invested across 1,892 projects supporting England’s catching, aquaculture and processing sectors, as well as marine environment improvements, describing that legacy as the foundation on which the new round builds.
Minister Eagle was direct about the intent behind the redesign: “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.” She added: “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.”
How to apply and key deadlines
Smaller project applications will be assessed directly by the MMO. Grants for larger projects valued over £250,000 will be considered by panel, with three deadlines set for 2026: 1 May, 12 June and 4 September. The full scheme sits within the broader Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, which has a total value of £304 million over 12 years, with approximately £132 million expected to be allocated up to the financial year 2030–31. Eligibility details and application guidance are available via the MMO’s FaSS page.