Delivering Scotland's Blue Economy Vision.
Applications will open for the fifth year of the Marine Fund Scotland today.
The fund will provide £14 million during 2025-26 to support Scotland's Blue Economy Vision. It aims to transform how people use the marine environment and how Scotland manages its blue resources.
Eligible individuals, businesses and organisations can apply for funding for new projects. These projects should support an innovative and sustainable marine economy, strengthen coastal communities and help Scotland achieve its net zero ambitions.
Last year, the fund supported 67 projects. Grant awards ranged from less than £1,000 to £1.6 million.
For example, funding helped seafood processors modernise their facilities to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. It also supported Scotland's first facility dedicated to recycling mixed materials from fishing and aquaculture nets. In addition, projects focused on marine litter prevention, marine research and innovation, and protecting Scotland's iconic wild salmon.
The fund also helped young fishers purchase their first fishing vessels, creating new opportunities within the industry.
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:
"Since 2021, the Marine Fund Scotland has awarded more than £55 million in grants to 330 projects. Together, these projects have attracted £121 million of investment and supported jobs and communities across Scotland's coastline and islands. I encourage anyone with ideas that can help marine industries evolve and flourish to apply.
"We continue to support Scotland's marine economy because it plays a crucial role in the economic, social and cultural life of our rural, coastal and island communities. However, these communities also need support from the UK Government and a fair share of available funding.
"The UK Government recently announced a new £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund. Therefore, I am calling for a fair proportion of this funding to be devolved to Scotland. Multi-year investment will help deliver long-term benefits for the marine economy, the environment and coastal communities.
"Without devolution of this funding, new schemes could duplicate existing programmes. As a result, stakeholders may face confusion and the overall impact of investment could be reduced."
Donna Fordyce, Chief Executive of Seafood Scotland, said:
"Marine Fund Scotland funding has played a vital role in helping us maintain markets for premium Scottish seafood and develop new ones. As a result, the industry can achieve greater value from its products.
"The funding has also enabled Seafood Scotland to expand its Seafood in Schools programme. In addition, we launched the Scottish Seafood Ambassador Scheme and new curriculum-linked resources for teachers.
"These initiatives aim to increase seafood consumption and promote the sector as a rewarding career choice. This is particularly important given the labour shortages the industry currently faces."
Background
Information on eligibility and how to apply is available at: https://www.gov.scot/isbn/9781836916017
Details of all projects that have received grant funding from the Marine Fund Scotland to date can be found here: https://www.gov.scot/policies/marine-and-fisheries-grants/grants-awarded/
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