We focus on helping under 12m vessels, which hold a commercial fishing licence, obtain grants through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.

The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme re-opened in February 2024. Under the scheme, we will be prioritising under 10-metre fishermen. You can apply for a variety of projects under the scheme from health and safety to improving energy efficiency. Funding rates can vary from 50%-80% depending on the applicant and project type.

What is eligible under the scheme?

• Health and Safety projects include safety investments and upgrades to vessels, Personal protective equipment (PPE), and Non-mandatory life-saving equipment.

• Adding Value projects including Ice machines, Insulated tubs, Fish boxes, Cold rooms & freezers, Davits/winches, and Investments in processing equipment.

• And projects under the following titles diversification & new forms of income, conservation & restoration of the marine environment, support for cooperative activities, building capabilities and advisory services, and improving the energy efficiency of fishing and mitigating climate change.

All projects must be claimed and completed by March 2025. The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme is managed by the MMO on behalf of Defra, whom we have no formal relationship with. We act as your agent throughout the process and do the paperwork on your behalf, taking the pain out of the process. At the Animateur project, we specialise in offering support to the under 10m fleet, and those who need help with the paperwork and IT skills required to complete an application. Our priority is safety improvement and adding value projects. 

If you have any questions then please call us on 01736 362782.