Photo credit: Nick Fewings

The Marine Management Organisation has approved more than £1 million through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme since it reopened in April and is now encouraging smaller operators to come forward. The scheme reopened on 13 April and is run by the MMO on behalf of Defra, drawing on more than £132 million committed through the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund over five years.

Reaching the inshore fleet

Applications have come from across the sector, but the MMO wants greater take-up from small-scale operators and inshore fishers. To that end, £6 million has been ring-fenced specifically for the Small Scale Coastal Fleet, and the organisation has added support for first-time applicants to help them through the process.

Paul Errington, the MMO’s acting director of finance, said the response so far had been encouraging, with hundreds of applications received and funding already approved for projects across England. He added that the scheme wanted to hear from smaller operators who may not yet have considered applying, and pointed to a new panel date for higher-value submissions in November.

What the scheme funds

FaSS is open to businesses and organisations across fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, marine conservation and related environmental work. Eligible projects include improving shore-based facilities such as quayside infrastructure, supporting cooperative activities and advisory services, vessel energy-efficiency upgrades, health and safety improvements, marine restoration, and diversification into new income streams. For 2026, the stated priorities are workforce development, community partnerships and infrastructure.

Applications for grants of £250,000 or more go to a dedicated panel, while smaller bids are assessed first come, first served. The next panel deadline for larger projects is 4 September, with a further panel on 13 November.

The wider fund

The Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund is a long-term programme for England’s fisheries and seafood sector, expected to deliver £304 million over 12 years, with around £132 million allocated up to 2030-31. The MMO has encouraged eligible fishers and seafood businesses to apply while the current round remains open.