To assist initiatives to maintain and expand England’s seafood industry, the government has granted more than £9 million in financing to more than 500 projects in the fishing, processing, and aquaculture sectors.
The European Maritime and Fisheries Fund was replaced by the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), which is run by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra.
Following the program’s initial success, which saw these initiatives supported across England in 2020 and early 2021, funding of at least £6 million has been secured each year until April 2025, bringing long-term investment to the fishing industry.
Around the English coastline, projects have received financing for everything from ice bins and safety railings on ships to harbour renovations and industrial machinery for processing industries.
As the programme continues to entice business to submit award applications, an extra £1.5 million has been allocated from the second year of FaSS financing as of April 2022.
“We want to help our fishing and seafood industries to continue to expand, adapt, and eventually prosper as we go ahead into our new period as an independent coastal state,” said Tom McCormack, Chief Executive Officer of the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).
In addition to continuing to assist our fishing and seafood communities via the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme beyond 2022–2023, we look forward to engaging with additional applications from throughout England this year.
The programme allows for financing of up to 80% of a project’s expenses to be provided to:
activities connected to fishing, such as energy improvements for boats
assist with revenue generation and diversification
Enhance the sustainability and resilience of shore-based infrastructures
Support collaborative initiatives, capacity development, and advisory services
By preserving and restoring the marine ecosystem, you can improve the environment.
initiatives that improve health and safety.
Simplified instructions, increased amounts of financing for micro-entities, and money that is more targeted to the sector’s requirements are all improvements to the 2022–23 plan.
On the website for the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, you may find information on the projects that have received FaSS funding so far as well as suggestions for prospective candidates.