Fishermen, seafood businesses and coastal communities across England can now apply for funding under a revamped government programme aimed at strengthening the sector’s long-term resilience.
The relaunched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) is backed by more than £132 million from the UK government’s Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, with funding set to be rolled out over the next five years.
The scheme will support projects ranging from workforce development and safety improvements to port infrastructure, seafood processing and market access.
The programme, administered by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and funded by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, has been updated following industry consultation to widen access and increase flexibility.
For the first time, applicants can submit proposals for multi-year projects, allowing businesses and communities to plan longer-term investments. The scheme is also open to a broader range of applicants, including small businesses, community groups, charities and educational institutions, as well as port authorities and local councils.
“The sector told us what they wanted and we listened,” said Fisheries Minister, Angela Eagle. “This scheme is the start of change, beginning with ring-fenced support for the small-scale coastal fleet, funding rounds to support higher value projects and multi-year funding.”
Around £6 million has been specifically ring-fenced for small-scale coastal fishers, with additional guidance and support available to help first-time applicants navigate the process.
Officials say the scheme builds on earlier success. Since its launch in 2021, FaSS has delivered £40 million across nearly 1,900 projects supporting England’s catching, aquaculture and processing sectors.
“With this new funding we can continue to build on the legacy of this scheme and ensure the long-term success and sustainability of key coastal industries and communities,” said Paul Errington, acting director of finance, MMO.
Applications for larger projects will be assessed in stages throughout 2026, as the government looks to drive investment into coastal economies and modernise the UK seafood sector.
