Guidance

Apply for the UK Seafood Fund: Infrastructure Scheme

Find out about funding available through the 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.

The Invitation to Apply for round 1 explains:

  • timescales and processing information for applications
  • evaluation criteria and how funding decisions will be reached

View the terms and conditions for round 1.

Round 2 will open for applications Octoberin September 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’.

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.

Published 27 December 2021
Last updated 2220 September 2022 + show all updates
  1. Links to the invitation to apply and agreement and terms for round 1 have been removed.

  2. Details of the early market engagement event have been removed as the event has now passed.

  3. Added a feedback form so you can let us know what you think about our plans for round 2 of the Infrastructure Scheme.

  4. Updated guidance on how to apply for the UK Seafood Fund Infrastructure Scheme. Now includes details of an online event for information about round 2.

  5. Update to application guidance while between application rounds.

  6. Round one is now closed for applications.

  7. The closing date for applications has been extended to midday on 14 June 2022. The Invitation to Apply has been amended to reflect clarification requests and a revised timetable.

  8. The scheme is now open for applications. Information has been added to explain the process and links to documents you must read before applying.

  9. Changed opening date for applications to the end of March 2022.

  10. First published.