Partnerships between the UK seafood sector and research institutes can now apply for funding towards scientific research projects focused on sustainability within the fisheries and seafood sector.

The Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships (FISP) Scheme is part of the Science and Innovation pillar of the £100 million UK Seafood Fund. It will fund scientific research projects that involve partnerships between the UK seafood industry and research institutes.

The UK Seafood Fund invests in the long term sustainability of the UK fisheries and seafood sector. Its objectives are to rejuvenate the sector, take advantage of the UK’s additional fishing quota, and bring economic growth to coastal communities.

Eligible applicants for the FISP scheme are:

• Sole traders engaged in commercial sea fishing.
• Organisations engaged in commercial or recreational sea fishing, aquaculture or processing.
• Universities or research institutes.

To obtain funding, applicants must bid for a contract. Applicants can bid for projects of up to £150,000 a year; or from £150,000 to £500,000 a year.

Interested parties can bid for a contract until 5 September 2022 (12:00 BST).

How To Apply

Applications are now open for a contract through FISP until 5 September 2022 (12:00 BST).

Defra plans to open a fourth and final round to bid for a contract through FISP part B from 21 November 2022 until 5 January 2023 (12:00 GMT). These dates may change.

The funding ends on 5 April 2024.

Applications are made online.

More details can be accessed at the UK Government website.