£132m Government Fund Opens to UK Fishing and Coastal Communities
£132m fund opens for fishing, seafood and coastal communities
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Fishermen, seafood businesses and coastal communities across England can now apply for funding through the relaunched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), part of the UK Government’s £132 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.
The updated multi-year scheme is designed to support projects that strengthen both the fishing industry and coastal economies. Funding will be directed towards a range of priorities, including workforce development, health and safety, seafood processing, port and harbour infrastructure, and improving trade and market access.
The relaunch follows consultation with industry stakeholders, which has led to a broader and more flexible funding structure. The scheme is now open to a wider pool of applicants, including businesses, charities, community groups, education institutions, port authorities and coastal councils. Ministers have also emphasised that smaller operators and first-time applicants are actively encouraged to apply.
A key change is the introduction of multi-year funding, allowing projects to be delivered over several years. This is expected to give applicants greater certainty and enable more ambitious, long-term initiatives.
To ensure smaller operators are not overlooked, around £6 million of the fund has been ring-fenced specifically for small-scale coastal fishers. Additional guidance and support will be made available throughout the application process, with applicants encouraged to collaborate locally or regionally to strengthen proposals.
The government said the scheme aims to deliver tangible improvements to coastal life while supporting a more resilient and competitive seafood sector.
Fishermen, seafood businesses and coastal communities across England can now apply for funding through the relaunched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), part of the UK Government’s £132 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.
The updated multi-year scheme is designed to support projects that strengthen both the fishing industry and coastal economies. Funding will be directed towards a range of priorities, including workforce development, health and safety, seafood processing, port and harbour infrastructure, and improving trade and market access.
The relaunch follows consultation with industry stakeholders, which has led to a broader and more flexible funding structure. The scheme is now open to a wider pool of applicants, including businesses, charities, community groups, education institutions, port authorities and coastal councils. Ministers have also emphasised that smaller operators and first-time applicants are actively encouraged to apply.
A key change is the introduction of multi-year funding, allowing projects to be delivered over several years. This is expected to give applicants greater certainty and enable more ambitious, long-term initiatives.
To ensure smaller operators are not overlooked, around £6 million of the fund has been ring-fenced specifically for small-scale coastal fishers. Additional guidance and support will be made available throughout the application process, with applicants encouraged to collaborate locally or regionally to strengthen proposals.
The government said the scheme aims to deliver tangible improvements to coastal life while supporting a more resilient and competitive seafood sector.
