GovWire

Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is inviting applications for the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) after confirming the date for the next review panel.

The grant scheme administered by MMO on behalf of Defra opened again in late February and will deliver a further 6 million in match funding to projects developing the catching, processing and aquaculture sectors, and those enhancing the marine environment.

Applications with a total project cost of more than 150,000 must be considered by the FaSS panel, which is responsible for reviewing and recommending projects in line with the overall objectives of the scheme. The deadline for submissions of applications for this panel is 30 April 2024, and the panel is expected to meet to consider these during the week commencing 24 June.

Paul Errington, MMOs Acting Director of Finance and Resources, said:

FaSS has already delivered significant benefits to the fisheries, seafood, and marine sectors over the last two years, and we have again seen strong interest in the highly popular scheme since we opened the latest round of funding. Building on this success, we are delighted to announce the date for what will be our only panel to review large-scale projects this year.

Applicants are reminded that the available grant funding is being allocated quickly and there is just a year remaining for them to conclude any projects under this scheme before it closes on 31 March 2025. We urge those considering applying for support under FaSS to speak with MMOs grants team as soon as possible.

The latest round of FaSS builds on the 27 million already committed to more than 1,300 projects across a range of seafood and marine businesses, charities and other organisations since the scheme was launched in 2021. This includes supporting the fishing industry across a variety of areas, such as health and safety, processing, partnerships, research, and diversification.

You can contact the MMO Grants Team on 0208 026 5539 to discuss any potential panel application or visit the MMO website for guidance and information on how to make an application.

Further information:

• Funding is available for both new projects and existing projects who are already benefitting from the scheme.
• MMO will accept applications from smaller projects throughout the year, while projects valued at 150,000 or more must be submitted by 30 April 2024.
• All projects funded under FaSS, regardless of scale, must be completed by the time scheme closes on 31 March 2025.
• Applications can besubmitted here.
• For more information about FaSS and how to contact MMOs grants team,