A government scheme has relaunched to help support England’s seafood industry.
The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) first opened last year, providing more than £6 million in annual funding until 2025, helping promote sustainability and resilience in the sector.
Administered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra, the scheme has now been simplified with better targeted funding across the catching, processing and aquaculture sectors. It will be regularly reviewed over the next three years, reflecting industry feedback.
“The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme has already approved 500 projects for funding across our sector,” said Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis.
“Through the scheme, we are better able to target support and invest in projects that champion the seafood sector and support its long-term sustainability.
“We have expanded the scheme until 2025, providing a welcome boost for coastal communities around the country. I urge all eligible organisations to apply.”
For projects which last less than a year, the MMO recommends that applicants aim to complete their project within the same financial year as application. To ensure long-term support, the FaSS will now also support multi-annual projects which can be completed up until the end of February 2025.
