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:
