Apply for the UK Seafood Fund: Infrastructure Scheme

About the Infrastructure Scheme

At least £65 million in grant funding is available through the Infrastructure Scheme. The scheme will fund projects that improve the UK seafood sector supply chain through investment in:

• improved capability at ports, harbours, processing, and aquaculture facilities
• the social and economic welfare of coastal communities
• fleet modernisation
• recreational sea fishing

This is a competitive scheme. To get funding, you must bid for a grant.

The Infrastructure Scheme is part of the UK Seafood Fund.

When to apply

Round 1 is now closed for applications.

Round 2 will open for applications in autumn 2022. Round 2 will focus on improved capability at ports, harbours, processing, and aquaculture facilities.

Further rounds will open later in 2022. They will focus on fleet modernisation and recreational sea fishing.

How to apply

Details of how to apply for round 2 will be published on this page when available.

Ask a question about the Infrastructure Scheme

1. Register and save your details in the UK Fisheries Support System (UKFSS).

2. Log in and select ‘Ask a question’.

3. Select the scheme you would like to ask a question about, then select a category and a subject.

4. Enter your question in the text box provided and select ‘Submit question’.

Attend an early market engagement event for round 3

Defra is hosting an online event on Microsoft Teams from 10:30am to midday on Wednesday 23 November 2022.

Please do not use this link until the date and time of the event.

Round 3 will focus on fleet modernisation. The event will set out early plans for round 3 including:

• objectives of the scheme
• the application process
• how the funding works and funding timelines

You’ll be able to ask questions during the event.

We ask that no more than 2 devices log into the event per organisation.

If your application is successful

You’ll need to pass a site visit before your application is granted. You’ll receive a letter from the UKFSS to explain this. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will contact you directly to arrange a site visit.

If you pass the site visit, you’ll receive a notification and the grant funding agreement through the UKFSS. You need to accept the agreement before you start your project.

Round 1 funding awards

You’ll get a notification of your round 1 funding award before round 2 opens.

You must complete your round 1 project and spend all money by 31 March 2024.

Round 2 funding awards

You’ll get a notification of your round 2 funding award in early February 2023.

You must complete your round 2 project and spend all money by 31 March 2025.

If your application is unsuccessful

If your application is unsuccessful you’ll receive feedback through the UKFSS telling you why.

If you’re unsuccessful in round 1 you may be able to reapply in future rounds.

Keep up to date

Sign up to receive emails when this page is updated with new information.

If you have any questions

You can submit questions about the application process or general enquiries within the UKFSS.