The UK Government has opened applications for a major £132 million investment aimed at supporting the fishing and seafood industries, as well as coastal communities across England. The funding will be delivered through the relaunched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), part of the broader Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, over the next five years.
The updated scheme is designed to support projects that create meaningful and lasting improvements within the sector and coastal life. Based on consultations with industry stakeholders, priority areas include workforce development, health and safety improvements, seafood processing, community partnerships, local regeneration, port and harbour infrastructure, and enhanced trade and market access.
The programme has been expanded to reach a wider range of applicants, including businesses, organisations, educational institutions, charities, community groups, port authorities, harbours, and coastal councils. It particularly encourages applications from small-scale operators and those who have not previously accessed grant funding. In response to stakeholder feedback, the scheme now allows for multi-year project applications, enabling businesses and communities to plan and implement long-term initiatives more effectively.
To ensure targeted support, around £6 million has been specifically allocated for small-scale coastal fishers. Applicants will also receive guidance and practical assistance throughout the application process, and collaboration among local or regional groups is encouraged to strengthen proposals.
Angela Eagle, the UK Fisheries Minister, stated that the scheme reflects direct feedback from the sector and marks the beginning of meaningful change. She emphasized that the funding will help build long-term resilience across the industry, supporting improvements such as safer vessels, better processing facilities, stronger supply chains, and upgraded port infrastructure.
The scheme is administered by the Marine Management Organisation and funded through the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs. Since its initial launch in 2021, the programme has already invested £40 million across 1,892 projects, benefiting England’s fishing, aquaculture, and seafood processing sectors while also contributing to marine environmental improvements.
Paul Errington, Acting Director of Finance at the Marine Management Organisation, highlighted that the new funding will build on the scheme’s success and further strengthen the sustainability of coastal industries and communities. He also noted that the application process has been simplified, with clearer guidance, defined deadlines, and additional support for first-time applicants.
Smaller project applications will be reviewed directly by the Marine Management Organisation, while larger projects exceeding £250,000 will be assessed by a dedicated panel. Application deadlines for panel submissions in 2026 are set for 1 May, 12 June, and 4 September.
