An extra £2 million of funding has been made available to support the sustainability, productivity and resilience of England’s thriving seafood sector through the reopening of the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.
Administered by Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra, the scheme will deliver investment to support commercial and recreational fishers, and the aquaculture and processing sectors in a variety of areas. These include the health and safety of fishing crews, improving the value and quality of fisheries products, modifications to improve the energy efficiency of vessels, efforts to mitigate climate change, and innovations to support the longevity and diversification of the seafood sector.
The scheme will provide funding for a range of projects that deliver the following high-level outcomes:
- Creating a more sustainable and resilient sector
- Boosting the demand for English seafood and accessing new markets
- Improving participation through co-design and co-management
- Achieving good environmental status through the conservation and restoration of the marine environment
- Supporting net zero through reducing emissions within the industry
Since opening in May 2021, FaSS has awarded over £27 million to over 1,300 fisheries projects across England, helping to create a stronger and more sustainable sector through modernising our inshore and offshore fleets, boosting the demand for English seafood, improving access to new markets, promoting skills and knowledge among new entrants to the industry, and working to achieving Good Environmental Status through the conservation and restoration of the marine environment.
Funding is available on a first come, first served basis and when all funding has been allocated, the scheme will close again.
See the full details about the Scheme and how to apply here – Fisheries and Seafood Scheme
