The latest round of the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) has opened, supporting projects that strengthen England’s seafood sector and support economic growth while enhancing nature recovery, UK government has confirmed.
Administered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra, around GBP 6 million in funding is open to seafood and marine businesses, recreational sector, charities and other organisations.
The latest round of funding is available to support projects in the 2025/2026 financial year which focus on the following priorities:
- Creating a sustainable and resilient seafood sector
- Reduce emissions and waste from the seafood sector
- Clean up rivers, lakes, seas and support nature recovery
- Boost regional and economic growth within the seafood sector
“I’m thrilled to further invest in our exceptional seafood industry, demonstrating our steadfast support for England’s coastal communities alongside our substantial GBP 360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund,” UK Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner said. “This is on top of our new agreement with the EU, which will boost exports by making it easier for producers to sell their high-quality products to our largest trading partner.”
MMO’s Acting Director of Finance and Resources Paul Errington said FaSS has already had a real impact across England’s fishing communities and coast.
“This new round of funding will deliver investment to safeguard the long-term sustainability, resilience and prosperity of England’s catching, aquaculture and processing sectors as well as continue efforts to protect our precious marine environment,” he said.
The new round of FaSS builds on four previous years of the scheme, which has seen more than GBP 35 million committed and over 1,700 projects approved, ranging from marine litter removal and funding for vital processing equipment to promoting careers within the industry.
Applicants can find out more about FaSS, access scheme guidance and submit their application online.
