Fisheries and Seafood Scheme Update

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is today pausing funding under the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS) for replacement pots.

We remain committed to supporting sustainable fishing through FaSS, and originally opened the £6.1 million scheme earlier this year to support England’s seafood sector, coastal communities and marine environment. This included the replacement of active pots with more sustainable models.

However, recognising the potential for misuse, funding for replacement pots will be paused temporarily to allow further evidence to be gathered and to find a solution to ensure that FaSS funding will not contribute to the risk of overfishing. Please note this pause applies only to new applications for funding; those already submitted will be processed in line with the scheme guidance.

We will continue to work closely with industry to utilise their expertise and find a solution that works for the sector, while ensuring the sustainability of stocks is not compromised.

If you have any questions concerning this funding pause, you can reach the MMO Grants Team on 0208 026 5539 or by email to FaSS.queries@marinemanagement.org.uk.