Second round of applications is open for Marine Scotland Fund

A new round of funding to support marine businesses in Scotland has been opened for applications.

Now in its second year, the Marine Fund Scotland has an overall budget of up to £14m to support fishing, aquaculture and wider marine organisations in coastal communities.

It was introduced by the Scottish Government to replace the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, which UK businesses no longer have access to following Brexit.

Marine Fund Scotland will support projects which contribute to innovative and sustainable marine sectors, reduce carbon emissions and support coastal communities. It will reflect Scotland’s Blue Economy Vision, which was published earlier this year.

Helping to improve safety standards will also be a key aim, including individual fishers upskilling their safety training.

Announcing the second year of the Fund at the Skipper Expo in Aberdeen, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “Building on the success of the first year of the Marine Fund Scotland, the renewed focus of the Fund this year will be on supporting our ambitions set out in the Blue Economy Vision.

“It highlights our commitment to investing in Scotland’s seafood and wider marine sectors and the communities which rely on them, supporting jobs and livelihoods while helping to protect the marine environment.

“The funding we have will be used to deliver maximum effect, but we will also continue to press the UK Government to respect the devolution of marine funding and to recognise the size and importance of Scotland’s marine sectors.”

Awards from the first year of the Marine Fund Scotland included supporting young fishers to purchase their first vessels, the purchase of safety equipment, enhancing gear selectivity and sustainable fishing practices, data collection, marine litter collection, marine research, and assistance to the seafood processing and aquaculture sectors, including to implement more sustainable practices.

In 2022-23 the funding is made up of a competitive grant fund and funding for key strategic work, including projects delivering wider benefits for the marine sectors.

Marine Fund Scotland is designed to sit alongside, but is distinct from, other funds including the Nature Restoration Fund and the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF).

Potential applicants who have already noted interest in this year’s fund will be informed when the guidance and business case template are available, the Scottish Government said.

Those who have not previously expressed an interest in the scheme but now wish to do so can e-mail MFS@gov.scot to register their interest and be informed when the application materials are available.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon