Uk Government Fishing Industry Fund Opens £132m Support for Coastal Communities
The uk government fishing industry fund is now open again, with applications available for fishermen, seafood businesses and coastal communities across England. The relaunched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme is backed by more than £132 million committed to the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund over the next five years. The scheme is designed to support projects in workforce development, health and safety, seafood processing, community partnerships, local regeneration, port and harbour infrastructure, and trade and market access.
What the uk government fishing industry fund now covers
The uk government fishing industry fund has been expanded beyond the groups that may have been eligible before. Businesses, organisations, education institutions, community groups and charities of all sizes can apply, alongside port authorities, harbours and coastal councils. Small-scale operators and applicants that have not previously received grant funding are being encouraged to take part.
One change is the option to apply for multi-year projects, allowing work to run across several years rather than within a single funding window. That is intended to give businesses and communities greater scope to plan ahead and deliver longer-lasting change. Around £6 million has also been ring-fenced specifically for small-scale coastal fishers, with guidance and practical support available during the application process.
Officials say the fund is meant to deliver lasting change
Dame Angela Eagle, Fisheries Minister, said: “The sector told us what they wanted and we listened. 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. ”
She added: “With £132 million available over the next five years, the relaunched Fisheries and Seafood Scheme will help businesses and organisations of all sizes to build long-term resilience across the industry. ”
She also said: “Whether that’s through safer vessels, better seafood processing facilities, stronger supply chains, or improved port infrastructure, this funding is designed to make a real and lasting difference. ”
How the uk government fishing industry fund is being delivered
The uk government fishing industry fund is administered by the Marine Management Organisation and funded through Defra’s Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. The scheme is being delivered through the updated Fisheries and Seafood Scheme, which is intended to support the industry and coastal life in practical ways.
The core message from the relaunch is breadth: wider eligibility, broader project types and more room for long-term planning. The fund is also being positioned as a response to stakeholder feedback, with a stronger focus on smaller operators and local collaboration.
What happens next for applicants
The uk government fishing industry fund now enters its application phase, with the focus shifting to which projects will be selected for support. Small businesses and community organisations are being encouraged to work together locally or regionally to strengthen their applications. The coming funding rounds will show how far the relaunch can translate into upgrades in safety, processing, infrastructure and resilience across England’s fishing and seafood sectors, as well as the coastal communities the uk government fishing industry fund is meant to support.
