News story

Fisheries and Seafood Scheme closes for 2024

The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS), administered by Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on behalf of Defra, delivers investments to safeguard the long-term sustainability, resilience and prosperity of the seafood sector across England.

Since re-opening earlier this year, the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) has once again proven popular with industry, generating a record-breaking number of applications in just three months. Given the number and value of applications we have received, the scheme is now closed to new applications.

This year’s £6 million allocation builds on the £27 million already committed to over 1,300 projects across the catching, recreational, aquaculture and processing sectors, as well as those that improve the marine environment.

Applications to FaSS are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Those already submitted are currently being processed, and all applications acknowledged by MMO’s grants team will still be assessed. The team will also contact any recent applicants yet to receive an acknowledgement to advise of next steps.

MMO’s Acting CEO, Michelle Willis, said:

Once again, we have been inundated with high-quality applications to FaSS. We are delighted to support projects from seafood and maritime businesses, charities and other organisations across England through this scheme.

The uptake has been incredible, and it is positive to see such passion from across the industry to enhance, develop and innovate to secure the future of the fisheries and seafood sector.

Further information

  • Applications submitted on or after 21 May 2024 will not be considered.
  • All projects funded under FaSS, regardless of scale, must be completed by 31 March 2025.
  • Details of successful applications will be published in due course.
  • You can contact the MMO grants team on 0208 026 5539 or email FaSS.queries@marinemanagement.org.uk
  • For more information about FaSS visit the MMO website: gov.uk/guidance/fisheries-and-seafood-scheme
Published 21 May 2024