Fishing for Funds: £6 Million Boost for England's Seafood Sector and Marine Nature Recovery!

Great news for England's vibrant seafood sector and our precious marine environment! The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) has officially reopened, unveiling a substantial £6 million investment aimed at strengthening the industry, driving economic growth, and supporting vital nature recovery efforts.

Administered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra, this significant funding round for the 2025/2026 financial year is open to a wide range of applicants, including seafood and marine businesses, the recreational sector, charities, and various other organisations.

Investing in a Sustainable Future

This latest FaSS funding is strategically focused on key priorities crucial for the long-term health and prosperity of our coastal communities and marine ecosystems:

• Creating a Sustainable and Resilient Seafood Sector: Building a robust industry that can thrive for generations to come.
• Reducing Emissions and Waste: Promoting greener practices within the seafood sector to minimise environmental impact.
• Cleaning Up Our Waters and Supporting Nature Recovery: Directly addressing marine litter and fostering the restoration of our invaluable marine habitats.
• Boosting Regional and Economic Growth: Driving prosperity in coastal areas through a flourishing seafood industry.

Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner MP expressed his enthusiasm for the investment, stating, "I’m thrilled to further invest in our exceptional seafood industry, demonstrating our steadfast support for England’s coastal communities alongside our substantial £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund." He also highlighted a new agreement with the EU, which is set to "boost exports by making it easier for producers to sell their high-quality products to our largest trading partner."

Echoing this sentiment, Paul Errington, Acting Director of Finance and Resources at MMO, commented, "We’re proud to facilitate the delivery of continued financial support through FaSS, which has already had a real impact across England’s fishing communities and coast." He emphasised that this new round of funding will "deliver investment to safeguard the long-term sustainability, resilience and prosperity of England catching, aquaculture and processing sectors as well as continue efforts to protect our precious marine environment."

A Proven Track Record and Future Growth

This latest round builds on four successful years of FaSS, which has already seen over £35 million committed and more than 1,700 projects approved. These diverse projects have ranged from crucial marine litter removal and funding for vital processing equipment to initiatives promoting careers within the industry.

Furthermore, fishing and coastal communities are poised for an even bigger boost with the government's recently launched £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. This major investment aims to drive growth, support the next generation of fishermen, and breathe new life into our coastal communities as part of the wider "Plan for Change." The new EU agreement, reducing red tape for seafood exporters and reopening markets for British shellfish, is also set to significantly ease trade with our biggest trading partner.

Apply Now!

A dedicated £1 million from this FaSS fund has been specifically ringfenced to support the seafood processing sector, helping businesses get their products from the sea to consumers more efficiently.

If you have a project that aligns with these priorities, now is the time to act!

• Projects over £150,000: These require consideration by the FaSS panel and must be submitted by 21 July 2025. The panel is expected to meet to consider these applications during the week commencing 8 September 2025.
• Smaller projects: Applications are generally accepted on a rolling basis.

The MMO is ready to provide expert advice to those considering applying. You can find out more about FaSS, access scheme guidance, and submit your application online via the official government website.

Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for England's seafood sector!

Generalguidance can be read here.

Contact the MMO Grants Team:

• Telephone: 0208 026 5539
• Email: FaSS.queries@marinemanagement.org.uk

It's #FishyFriday in Newlyn, the busiest fishing port in England.

For one skipper in the port it's time for a New Venture in the new Millennia...

those pots keep coming...

it's a tight turning circle...

another souvenir from the days of sail......

more fodder for the local gribble population...

there's a maze of concrete...

just been poured...

and levelled...

as the foundations for the harbour's latest building project gets off on a good footing...

prime fish galore on the auction floor...

on another summery day...

there's lobsters...

lemons...

John Dory...

haddock...

and red mullet all speeding their way to a wet fish counter or restaurant table near you...

a heady mix of prime fish...

name these beauties...

the fish are wrapped and ready to roll...

not a bad day's work for one of the best bass men in the port...

though these guys are proving a little more elusive to find let alone catch...

megrims, by weight the biggest part of a beam trawler's catch in the summer months...

the favourite fish for these eight legged fish...

are anything with a shell...

as anyone who works pots will tell you, this very often, the only evidence that there was a lobster in the pot...

tropical vibes...

and the auction doors are now sporting plastic curtains designed to keep the cold in and the gulls out!

 

Mid-week in Newlyn.

Not looking much like 33˚ in Newlyn tis morning and with the neap tide most of the fleet are at sea...

as Graham brings the Janet Anne alongside the market with his morning's haul of handlined mackerel...

on the market, there are some good looking haddock...

and yet more Mediterranean octopus, giving the Maverick something of an alternative species to fish for having previously fished 100% sustainably for pollack by hook and line...

these guys are still proving elusive - early days yet for the bass season...

never a smile far from young Graham's face, despite the slim pickings this morning with just a few minutes fishing on each mark, if you could find one, before they took off again...

more than a day's work ahead for the boys on the Angela of Ladram.

Through the Gaps: I-VMS - Are You Compliant? The Rules, The Reasons, and What You Need to Do Now

Download the complete guide to IVMS.

Great British Fish survey!

Your Voice Matters: Shape the Future of UK Inshore Fishing

A nationwide survey is launching this summer to give small-scale fishermen a powerful, unified voice to call for change. This is your chance to be heard.

Across the coves of Cornwall, the harbours of Aberdeenshire, and the ports of Wales, small-scale fishermen are the lifeblood of coastal communities. You are custodians of the sea, running family businesses that are woven into the fabric of our national identity. Yet, the challenges you face have never been greater.

From the economic squeeze of rising costs and fluctuating markets to the growing web of regulations and the daily pressures on your wellbeing, the story of the inshore fisherman needs to be told—and more importantly, it needs to be listened to by those in power.

That is why the Lyme Bay Fisherman’s CIC has launched The Great British Inshore Fishing Survey.

This is more than just a questionnaire; it's a vital opportunity for every small-scale fisherman in England, Scotland, and Wales to speak directly to the government. It is your platform to share the reality of your life and livelihood, and to demand the support and recognition your industry deserves.

Why Your Participation is Crucial

For too long, the voices of inshore fishermen have been fragmented. This survey aims to change that. By gathering comprehensive data on everything from your fishing practices and economic viability to your personal wellbeing, a clear and undeniable picture of the state of the industry will be created.

The survey will explore the successes and the challenges you face, providing a robust evidence base to answer the critical question: What needs to be done to secure a positive and profitable future for small-scale fishermen, their families, and their communities?

From Your Deck to the Doors of Parliament

The survey will run throughout the summer, ensuring everyone has the chance to contribute. Your individual responses will remain confidential, but your collective voice will be powerful.

The findings will be compiled into a detailed report and presented directly to the government at a dedicated Parliamentary event for MPs in early September. This report will carry the weight of hundreds of fishermen from across the nation, making it impossible to ignore. It will be a clear mandate for action, outlining the specific policy changes and support systems needed to help the inshore sector not just survive, but thrive.

Have Your Say Today

This is a pivotal moment for the UK's inshore fishing fleet. Your experience, your knowledge, and your voice are essential. Don't miss this chance to be part of a collective movement for a better future.

The survey is easy to complete and is the single most effective way to ensure your concerns are placed directly in front of policymakers.

To take part in The Great British Inshore Fishing Survey, please visit:

 https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TheGreatBritishInshoreFishingSurvey

Stand with your fellow fishermen. Share the survey with your network. Let's ensure that this summer, the voice of the inshore fleet rings loud and clear in the halls of power.