Marine Management Organisation
The EMFF scheme is closed for any applications
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) reopened the scheme in May 2023 for a limited amount of funding which has now been allocated to projects.
Funding is currently available through the UK Seafood Fund to commercial fishing vessels to replace or modify their engines. Funding is available on a first come first served basis. To apply please check the webpages online at:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-uk-seafood-fund-infrastructure-scheme-round-3
EMFF assessment panel for applications over 100,000
100,000The MMO will be holding panels to consider EMFF applications for projects costing 100,000 and over. The panels will meet on the following dates. Any project applications costing 100,000 and over received after the dates shown below will not be considered at that panel. Applications of less than 100,000 will continue to be assessed on a regular basis and are not affected by these deadlines.
The 2018 panel dates are as follows:
The first panel will be held on 21 March 2018. Applicants are asked to ensure their applications reach the MMO by 19 January 2018.
A second panel will take place on 13 June 2018 with a deadline for applications of 13 April 2018.
A third panel will convene on 5 September 2018 with an application deadline of 30 June 2018.
A final panel will take place on 21 November 2018 with an application deadline of 14 September 2018.
Eligibility
There are different eligibility requirements depending on who you are and what project you are applying for. In general, to qualify for EMFF funds your project needs to support the overall aims of the EMFF which are to:
- make the fisheries and aquaculture sectors more sustainable
- conservation of the marine environment
- support growth and jobs in coastal communities
Projects that dont support the aims wont be eligible for support. These themes are broad so if you are unsure contact the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for details. For more details about eligibility, see the guidance notes for the application type that is relevant to your project.
If your project has already been supported with funds from another source (such as another public body), you may not be eligible for full EMFF funding support.
Proceed at your own Risk
You cannot start your project before you receive confirmation that we have received your application. You can start your project after you receive this confirmation, but this is at your own risk. If your application is not approved, any costs you pay will not be eligible to be claimed.
Certain applicants are not eligible to apply for funding under the EMFF scheme.
If you have committed and been convicted of a serious infringement in the 12 months before you apply, you wont be eligible for EMFF funds. A serious infringement of rules includes things like:
- you dont hold a valid licence
- you havent used compliant fishing gear
- you have broken conservation rules
- you have obstructed an inspection or observation
If you have committed and been convicted of Fraud in the context of the EFF or EMFF schemes you will not be eligible for EMFF funding support. Fraud includes things that have enabled you to wrongfully receive funds from the EFF or EMFF schemes, examples of this are:
- you have used or presented false, incorrect or incomplete statements or documents
- you have not disclosed information where you are in breach of a specific obligation
- you have used EFF/EMFF funds for purposes other than those for which they were originally granted
- you have misused the benefits of your project
If you have committed and been convicted of either fraud or a serious infringement please read the guide.
Expression of interest
You can complete an with help from the and send it to the MMO if you want us to check if your initial project idea is feasible.
The MMO will then assess your project and tell you if you can apply and how you should do so. If the MMO invites you to complete a full application, this doesnt guarantee that youll get a grant.
You dont have to do this, if you prefer you can make a full application for funding without initial advice.
How to apply
You should apply online using the EMFF E-System > > >
The <govspeak-embed-attachment-link id="EMFF_Applicant_User_Guide.pdf"></govspeak-embed-attachment-link> will assist you in you application.
The main focus of the EMFF scheme in England will be projects which support the adaptation to the requirements of the reformed CFP and deliver economic growth. Examples of possible EMFF projects which will be available for funding in Phase 1 are:
- new or innovative fishing gear onboard fishing vessels which helps to reduce unwanted catches
- purchase of onshore refrigeration units in a port or harbor to assist improving catch quality or management of discards
- installation of handrails and ladders to improve the safety of fishermen on board fishing vessels.
- modernisation or development of aquaculture units
- improved seafood processing in an existing facility
There are 6 different types of application depending on the project you are applying for.
Each application type has different guidance notes associated with it. Make sure you read the relevant guidance notes carefully before you start your application. There is also a general guidance note for the scheme.