Maritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF)
THIS GUIDANCE SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH SUPPORT FOR THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND INLAND FISHING APPLICATIONS	
SUMMARY	
Grant aid is available under the Maritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF) programme. 

The legal basis for the scheme is: The Grants for Fishing and Aquaculture Industries Regulations 2015 no. 1711

This Guidance Note is subject to change at any time during the scheme. The date of the latest revision is shown in the footer of this document.	
	
This Support for The Marine Environment and Inland Fishing guidance is for projects taking place in England. You may want to submit an Expression of Interest Form to see if you are eligible for funding before you complete the application form, but you do not have to.

You must also read the General Guidance as this contains information for all MFF applications.

We want to give your project the best possible chance at succeeding and have produced a range of resources and guidance which you might find useful.  Additional guidance and where to go for further information has been included throughout this guidance.

The MMO administers the MFF scheme on behalf of England. It is essential that the scheme delivers value for money and that applicants are open and honest when making applications under the scheme.

It is a criminal offence to supply information in the application knowing it to be false or not believing it to be true, and you may be liable for a fine or imprisonment if you do so.	

The MMO will scrutinise your application and may from time to time conduct random checks upon your application and the supporting documents, including contacting proposed suppliers and in the event of irregularities may in its absolute discretion refuse applications.

In the event that false or inaccurate information is discovered, the MMO will give consideration to investigating the matter further and may take such enforcement action, including criminal prosecution for example under the Fraud Act 2006 as it considers appropriate. In such circumstances the MMO may also seek to recover any grant paid.

You are reminded that if your project is approved and grant offered, specific conditions will apply which will be set out in the Offer Letter.

Any breach of these conditions may lead to recovery of any grant paid, and if necessary the MMO may seek recovery through appropriate criminal or civil action.

If the grant is not used for the purpose for which it was granted the MMO may seek recovery of any grant paid through appropriate criminal or civil action.

Projects that have been physically completed or fully implemented prior to receiving a written acknowledgement from MMO, even though they may meet the scheme objectives and priorities, cannot be funded.

In exceptional circumstances, costs incurred prior to submission of your application to MMO and up to a value of 10% of the total eligible project costs can be considered eligible for reimbursement at the funding rate applied providing they are directly related to your project you are applying for and essential to bringing the application to submission stage. The eligibility of these costs are at the MMO discretion and are not guaranteed and are subject to the approval of the full project and are undertaken entirely at the applicant’s own risk. Contact MMO for more details.

Projects can commence after receiving a written acknowledgement from MMO. Any costs incurred between receiving a written acknowledgement from MMO and receiving your written decision could result in your project being made ineligible if your project is not approved and are incurred at your own risk.

It is the responsibility of you as the applicant to ensure that the project which is the subject of this application is technically viable, complies with all relevant health and safety legislation and any other project specific safety requirements, is your responsibility and not the responsibility of the MMO.	
INFORMATION REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR FUNDING	
Before you proceed with creating an application you may wish to have the following items at hand or be aware that they will be necessary to accompany your application when it is submitted;	

•	A business case –You must only provide a business case if your total project cost is
£25,000 or more. Use the Business Case Template document available on the MMO website. If your total project cost is less than £24,999.99 or less you do not have to submit a Business Case
•	Financial information - 3 years of either audited or unaudited accounts.  See General Guidance for more detail
•	Quotes for costs to be incurred – advice is provided in this guidance and the General Guidance on what you need to supply
•	Company/charity and Value Added Tax (VAT) Registration numbers if applicable to your circumstances
•	Organisation headcount numbers if applicable to your circumstances	
DEFINITIONS	
In these notes:
•	You means the applicant. You can employ an agent or consultant to help you complete your application form but you must sign the form. You will be responsible for ensuring that all of the terms and conditions for grant are fulfilled. Responsibility for the content of the application and any supporting information and documentation rests with you and cannot be transferred to your agent or consultants. In particular, this means that you will be expected to retain ownership of the work which is being funded.
•	We means MMO.
•	Fisheries area means an area with a sea, river or lake shore, including ponds or a river basin, with a significant level of employment in fisheries that is functionally coherent in geographical, economic and social terms and is designated as such by the UK.
•	Fisherman means any person engaging in commercial fishing activities, as recognised by the UK.
•	Inland fishing means fishing activities carried out for commercial purposes in inland waters by vessels or other devices.
•	Small–scale coastal fishing means fishing carried out by fishing vessels of an overall length of 11.99 metres or less and not using towed fishing gear as listed in The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
•	Vessels operating exclusively in inland waters means vessels engaged in commercial fishing in inland waters and not included in the fishing fleet register.

The information provided in this Guidance Note must only be taken as a guide to the grants which are available. The legal basis for the grants is The Grants for Fishing and Aquaculture Industries Regulations 2015 no. 1711	

Part 1 ELIGIBILITY

TYPES OF PROJECTS YOU CAN APPLY FOR

The application form should be used for projects relating to: innovation in fisheries; conservation measures and regional cooperation; limitation of the impact of fishing on the marine environment; innovation linked to the conservation of marine biological resources; protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and inland fishing. This includes:

Innovation in fisheries
This includes

•	new or substantially improved products and equipment
•	new or improved processes and techniques
•	new or improved management and organisation systems

Support for the design and implementation of conservation measures and regional cooperation
This includes

•	the design, development and monitoring of technical and administrative means necessary for the development and implementation of conservation measures and regionalisation, this includes direct restocking only when it is provided for as a conservation measure in an appropriate legal act
•	stakeholder participation and cooperation in designing and implementing conservation measures and regionalisation

Limitation of the impact of fishing on the marine environment and adaptation of fishing to the protection of species

This includes

•	equipment improving size selectivity or species selectivity of fishing gear
•	equipment that eliminates discards by avoiding and reducing unwanted catches of commercial stocks
•	equipment that deals with unwanted catches
•	equipment that limits and, where possible, eliminates the physical and biological impacts of fishing on the ecosystem or the sea bed
•	equipment that protects gear and catches from mammals and birds

Innovation linked to the conservation of marine biological resources
This includes
•	Projects aimed at developing or introducing new technical or organisational knowledge that reduces the impact of fishing activities on the
•	
environment, including improved fishing techniques and gear selectivity, or aimed at achieving a more sustainable use of marine biological resources and coexistence with protected predators.

Protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems in the framework of sustainable fishing activities

This includes

•	the collection of waste by fishermen from the sea such as the removal of lost fishing gear and marine litter
•	the construction, installation or modernisation of static or movable facilities intended to protect and enhance marine fauna and flora, including their scientific preparation and evaluation
•	contributions to a better management or conservation of marine biological resources
•	the preparation, including studies, drawing-up, monitoring and updating of protection and management plans for fishery-related activities relating to NATURA 2000 sites and spatial protected areas referred to in The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and relating to other special habitats
•	the management, restoration and monitoring of NATURA 2000 sites in accordance with The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, in accordance with prioritised action frameworks established
•	the management, restoration and monitoring of marine protected areas with a view to the implementation of the spatial protection measures referred to in The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
•	increasing environmental awareness, involving fishermen, with regard to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity
•	schemes for compensation for damage to catches caused by mammals and birds protected by The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
•	the participation in other actions aimed at maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as the restoration of specific marine and coastal habitats in support of sustainable fish stocks, including their scientific preparation and evaluation

Inland fishing and inland aquatic fauna and flora– protect and develop aquatic fauna and flora

This includes

•	the management, restoration and monitoring of NATURA 2000 sites which are affected by fishing activities, and the rehabilitation of inland waters in accordance with The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 including spawning grounds and migration routes for migratory species, and, where relevant, with the participation of inland fishermen
•	the construction, modernisation or installation of static or movable facilities intended to protect and enhance aquatic fauna and flora, including their scientific preparation, monitoring and evaluation

It is your responsibility as the applicant and not the responsibility of the MMO to ensure that the project which is the subject of this application is technically viable, complies with all relevant health and safety legislation and any other project specific safety requirements.

You must comply with all relevant legal requirements of your project.

Eligible Items Table

Please note this table is for guidance only and is not exhaustive or binding. If you are unsure whether an item is eligible please check the General Guidance and if you are still unsure contact MMO.

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Innovation in fisheries	new or substantially improved products and equipment		
	new or improved processes and techniques		
	new or improved management and organisation systems		
	projects above must be carried out by, or in collaboration with, a scientific or technical body, recognised by MMO. The scientific or technical body must validate the results of your project		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Support for the design and implementation of conservation measures and regional cooperation	the design, development and monitoring of technical and administrative means necessary for the development and implementation of conservation measures and regionalisation	direct restocking unless it is provided for as a conservation measure in an appropriate legal act	
	stakeholder participation and cooperation between suitable countries in designing and implementing conservation measures and regionalisation		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Limitation of the impact of	equipment improving size selectivity or species selectivity of fishing gear	support shall not be granted more than once during the MFF scheme for the same	

fishing on the marine environment and adaptation of fishing to the protection of species	equipment that eliminates discards by avoiding and reducing unwanted catches of commercial stocks, or that deals with unwanted catches to be landed	type of equipment on the same English registered fishing vessel	
	equipment that limits and, where possible, eliminates the physical and biological impacts of fishing on the ecosystem or the sea bed;		
	equipment that protects gear and catches from mammals and birds protected by The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 provided that it does not undermine the selectivity of the fishing gear and that all appropriate measures are introduced to avoid physical damage to the predators.		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Innovation linked to the conservation of marine biological resources	projects aimed at developing or introducing new technical or organisational knowledge that reduces the impact of fishing activities on the environment, including;
•	improved fishing techniques
•	gear selectivity
•	projects aimed at achieving a more sustainable use of marine biological resources and coexistence with protected predators.	net revenue generated by the participation of the fishing vessel in the project must be deducted from the eligible expenditure of the project

The term ‘net revenue’ means the income of fishermen from the first sale of the fish or shellfish caught during the introduction and
testing of the new technical or organisational knowledge less the selling costs such as auction hall fees

Projects which do not qualify as fishing for scientific purposes in accordance with The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and which consist of testing new fishing gear or techniques must be carried out within the limits of the fishing opportunities allocated to the UK	
	projects funded under this Article must be carried out by, or in collaboration with, a scientific or technical body recognised by the MMO which must validate the results of the project		

		
Contact MMO for details.	

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Projects relating to the collection of waste by fishermen from the sea, costs relating to the actions	the removal of lost fishing gear from the sea, in particular in order to combat ghost fishing		
	the purchase and, if applicable, the installation of equipment on board for the collection and storage of litter		
	the creation of schemes of waste collection for participating fishermen		
	the purchase and, if applicable, the installation of equipment based in fishing port facilities for the storage and recycling of litter		
	communication, information, awareness raising campaigns, to encourage fishermen and other stakeholders to participate in projects to remove lost fishing gear		
	training for fishermen and port agents		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Projects that are aimed at a better management or conservation of marine biological resources. costs relating to the purchase or, if applicable, the installation of	circular hooks		
	acoustic deterrent devices on nets		
	turtle excluder devices ('TEDs')		
	streamer lines		
	other tools or devices proven efficient in preventing accidental catches of protected species		
	training for fishermen on better management or conservation of marine biological resources		
	projects focussing on coastal habitats of importance for fish, birds and other organisms		

the items	projects focusing on areas of importance for fish reproduction, such as coastal wetlands		
	replacement of existing fishing gear with low impact fishing gear		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Projects consisting of the preparation of protection and management plans for fishery- related activities and costs relating to them	carrying out studies, in particular for the monitoring and surveillance of species and habitats including mapping, and risk management		
	mapping fishing activity and intensity and interactions with protected species and habitats		
	consulting stakeholders during the preparation of management plans		
	developing and applying indicators for pressures and for impacts and performing conservation status assessments		
	training for fishermen and other persons working for or on behalf of the bodies responsible for the management of marine protected areas ('MPAs') relevant for the preparation of protection and management plans for fishery- related activities		
	demarcation of MPAs		
	surveillance including salaries of personnel involved in surveillance activities		
	carrying out publicity and awareness raising measures in relation to MPAs		
	assessing the impacts of the management plans on Natura 2000 areas and on the fisheries areas affected by the management plans		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Projects relating to the management,	consultation of stakeholders during the preparation of management plans		
	development and application of indicators for pressures/impacts		

restoration and monitoring of Natura 2000 sites and Marine Protected Areas and to increasing environmental awareness, costs related to them	and conservation status assessments		
	surveillance of Natura 2000 sites and MPAs		
	training for persons working for or on behalf of the bodies responsible for the management of Natura 2000 sites and MPAs		
	training of fishermen on conservation and restoration of marine ecosystems and related alternative activities such as eco- tourism in Natura 2000 sites and MPAs		
	mapping fishing activity and monitoring its intensity and recording fishery interactions with protected species such as seals, sea turtles, dolphins and seabirds		
	supporting the development of fisheries management measures in Natura 2000 sites and MPAs, such as Impact Assessment (IA) studies and risk assessment, including actions fostering the improvement of their coherence		
	support to projects increasing environmental awareness, involving fishermen, with regard to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity		
	cooperation and networking of managers of Natura 2000 sites and MPAs		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Projects relating to the participation in other actions aimed at maintaining and enhancing biodiversity	costs relating to schemes testing novel monitoring techniques, and in particular:
•	remote electronic monitoring systems, such as CCTV, for the monitoring and recording of incidental catches of protected species
•	the recording of oceanographic data such as temperature, salinity, plankton, algae blooms or		

and ecosystem services, costs related to them	turbidity;
•	the mapping of Invasive Alien Species (IAS)
•	actions, including studies, to prevent and control the expansion of IAS		
	the installation on board of automatic recording devices for monitoring and recording oceanographic data such as temperature, salinity, plankton, algae blooms or turbidity		
	costs for chartering of commercial fishing vessels for environmental observation at a rate proportional to the activity		
	costs for other scientific actions related to the mapping and assessment of marine and coastal ecosystems and their services		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
Projects aimed at restoring specific marine and coastal habitats in support of sustainable fish stocks	projects reducing physical and chemical pollution		
	projects reducing other physical pressures, including anthropogenic underwater noise that negatively affect biodiversity		
	projects promoting positive conservation measures to protect and conserve flora and fauna, including the re-introduction of or stocking with native species, and applying Green Infrastructure principles referred to in the Commission Communication on Green Infrastructure		
	prevention, control or elimination of IAS		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	

Inland fishing and aquatic fauna and flora	the management, restoration and monitoring of NATURA 2000 sites which are affected by fishing activities, and the rehabilitation of inland waters in accordance with The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, including spawning grounds and migration routes for migratory species, and, where relevant, with the participation of inland fishermen	vessels or investments in vessels that do not continue to operate exclusively in inland waters.	
	the construction, modernisation or installation of static or movable facilities intended to protect and enhance aquatic fauna and flora, including their scientific preparation, monitoring and evaluation		

Item/Area	Eligible Costs	Ineligible Costs	
All		preventative or scheduled maintenance costs	
All	costs necessary for and directly related to the installation of items approved		
All	the purchase or leasing of vehicles is only eligible if the vehicle in question has a direct contribution to the project and is not used for any other purpose		
All		maintenance costs and mandatory costs associated with the vehicle like insurance, road tax and MOT of any vehicles are not eligible for funding	
All		statutory or mandatory requirements of law and byelaws	

Part 2 About Your Project

Tell Us Your Position With Regard to Planning and Environmental 	 Consents/Authorisations.

If this is ‘Not applicable’ then you do not have to provide any information. If you have ‘Applied for and received’ then complete the table in the application. If you have ‘Applied for but not yet received’ or ‘Needed- haven’t yet applied’ then you must list the descriptions of the consent/authorisations and write ‘to be
confirmed’ in the space provided. You will need to provide us with a copy of each consent/authorisation alongside this application form.

No offer of funding can be made until all planning consents/authorisations have been received and copies sent to the MMO. In some circumstances an Offer in Principle can be issued pending receipt of consents/authorisations.

If your planning consents and/or licences are not in place when you apply to MMO for funding you should supply details of when these are expected and forward to MMO as soon as they have been received. An offer of funding cannot be issued without required planning consents and/or licences being in place can receive an offer in principle if they are eligible and meet the requirements of the scheme. An offer in principle is not an offer of funding and you cannot claim funds until you receive an offer of funding.

Have You Considered the Marine Policy Statement, or Any Adopted Marine 	 Plans in Force in the Area(s) Your Project Will Take Place?

If you have considered the Marine Policy Statement, or any adopted marine plans in force in the area(s) your project will take place, as part of your project development, then answer ‘Yes’ to this question. If you answer ‘Yes’ then explain how you have considered the Marine Policy Statement, or any adopted marine plans in force in the area(s) your project will take place, as part of your project development. In particular have any Marine Planning policies influenced this project? If so please give the policy reference and details.

If you answer ‘No’ then explain why you have not considered the Marine Policy Statement, or any adopted marine plans in force in the area(s) your project will take place, as part of your project development. See the following website for more information on Marine Plans:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/marine-planning-in-england

Part 3 Your Project Finance

You will need to provide details of your project including the costs of the items you would like to apply for. You will need to provide quotes for these items.
Below is a table of the numbers of quotes we require. See General Guidance Note for specific quotation guidance.

Minimum Number of Quotes Required

Individual  Items  with  a  Value (excluding VAT) of:	Number of Quotes or Tenders	
over £0 and up to £1,500	Single written quote	

£1,500.01 and up to £5,000	At least two quotes must be provided. If at least two quotes have not been provided, then an explanation must be provided	

£5,000.01 and up to £60,000	At least three quotes must be provided.  If at least three quotes have not been provided, then an explanation must be provided	

equal to or over £60,000.01	3 quotes or evidence of tender including evidence of the evaluation system used, details of the chosen tender and scoring

See General Guidance Note for more advice on public/private procurement rules	

You will need to tell us what sort of applicant you are based on your business type. You can find out if you are a public applicant or a private applicant in the General Guidance.
You should obtain at least the minimum number of quotes for any individual item, as shown in the table and include all original quotes, signed and dated by the supplier with your application form.
In exceptional circumstances we may consider accepting fewer quotes than the minimum numbers. For example it may not be possible to obtain three quotes for specialist equipment. If you are unable to provide the minimum number of quotes or tenders required, you should speak to MMO for advice and your application should explain why this has not been possible.
See the General Guidance for information on how to deal with any quotes you may have in Euros or other currencies.

How Will Your Project Be Funded?
We need to know how your project will be funded and where this money will come from. This includes funds you are intending to seek as well as those already obtained. Part of your project funding will come from grant funding and the remainder from yourself or another public source. This can include private savings, money from your organisation, a loan or another grant and is referred to

as your match funding. Your match funding should be in place before you apply to the MFF. If your match funding is not in place an Offer in Principle may be issued until your match funding is obtained and can be proved. Contact MMO for advice if you think this will affect you.
The table below is an example of how a project could be funded;

(1)
Sector	(2)
Source	(3)
% of Eligible Costs	(4)
£	

Public Sector	
MFF Grant	
40	
440	
	National Grant	10	110	
	Organisation Name (state the source)
E.g. Environment Agency, Natural England, Seafish			
Private Sector	(state the source)
E.g. loans	50	550	
Other	(state the source)			
Total		100	£1,100	

Grant Rates

The tables in the following pages explain how much funding you might be able to apply for. Funding is dependent on a number of factors so before you look at the tables you will need to know;

•	What business or organisation type you are, this might be a private business or a public organisation
•	Which article of the regulation you are applying under, the eligibility tables earlier this document will tell you this based on what you plan to do
•	If applicable to your circumstances you need to know if you are a small scale coastal fisher 

Collective/Non collective type of projects
To determine the amount of funding a project can attract it is necessary to determine if the project is of Collective benefit or Non-Collective benefit as set out in National law.

In simple terms;
If a project has no direct financial benefit to either the applicant delivering the scheme or the beneficiary of the project and has both collective interest and collective beneficiaries (those benefitting from the project) then it can be considered Collective.
If a project has a direct financial benefit to either the applicant delivering the scheme or the beneficiary of the project then it is considered Non -Collective.
In addition, to be eligible for the higher public funding rate the project must have innovative features. These can be activities that are innovative to the sector or industry but can also be innovative to a business but must be present and if the project is being delivered at a local level the innovative features must be present at that local level.
Examples of types of projects are below;

Example 1	Status	Reason for status	
A collection service for discarded catches in an infrastructure-remote region owned and operated by a private processor who processes the discards themselves for onward sale as bait	Non-Collective	The processor is providing a service to the fishermen free of charge however the processor is expected to make a financial gain from the onward sale of that bait	
However if the end result changes…	
A collection service for discarded catches in an infrastructure-remote region owned and operated by a private processor who processes the discards reselling them to the fishermen at cost price	Collective	The processor is not making a profit on the discards and the fishermen are getting a necessary service at a cost price	

Example 2	Status	Reason for status	
A charity providing training to fishermen on business development, the training is free of charge to the attendees and the charity is using its own funds and staff	Non-Collective	The charity is not gaining from delivering the training but the attendees on the course are expected to learn skills to develop their business and improve profitability	

However if the focus of the training changes…	
A charity providing training to fishermen on non-mandatory safety at sea, the training is free of charge to the attendees and the charity is using its own funds and staff	Collective	The training in this example is designed to save lives at sea and there is no financial benefit to either the applicant delivering the training or the trainee	

Example 3	Status	Reason for status	
A local authority providing health and safety improvements to a port to allow fishermen and the public to access a quay safety	Collective	The local authority is undertaking the work to ensure there are fewer or no accidents on the quay; there are no monetary benefits to either the local authority or the quay users and visitors	

Example 4	Status	Reason for status	
A scientific organisation doing research into a fishery to fill a gap in stock information, the results of which will be disseminated free of charge to everyone including the fishermen that fish the region	Collective	There is no financial gain to the research organisation doing the research and the primary benefits from the research will be better stock management in the region	

Example 5	Status	Reason for status	
A gear manufacturer trialling new gear that is expected to reduce the physical and biological impacts of fishing on the sea bed	Collective	The main benefit of this project is to find gear that allows fishers to fish while reducing the biological impacts of their activity on the sea bed	

Public/Private Organisations

To determine how much public funding you are eligible to apply for we need to understand the type of applicant you are. 

 Public applicants are not eligible to apply for MFF. 

Public funding is the National government (MMO) element of the funding that could be offered to you. The type of applicant you are is either public, private or a private company providing a public service. These types are described below along with questions to help you identify what type of applicant you are.
How to determine whether you are a public or private applicant
•	Are you a public organisation? A public organisation is one which is part of a government department or an organisation whose work is part of the process of government, but is not a government department and gets its funding from a public source such as the government. If yes you are applicant type A.
•	Are you a private organisation providing Services of General Economic Interest (SGEI)? SGEI are economic activities that public authorities identify as being of particular importance to citizens and that would not be supplied (or would be supplied under different conditions) if there were no public intervention. Examples are transport networks, postal services or social services. The SGEI must be central to the project being applied for. If yes you are applicant type B.
•	Are you a private organisation delivering SGEI? – see above for an SGEI definition. If yes you are applicant type C.

Funding Available
•	If you are applicant type A you are not eligible to apply for MFF.
•	If you are applicant type B then you are eligible to apply for 100% public funding for your project.
•	If you are applicant type C you are eligible to apply for at least 50% funding. You can apply for more than 50% if you are any of the following types of applicant;
Are you a SSCF or is the project related to the small scale coastal fisheries fleet? If yes you can get 80% public funding see below for an example;

Total project cost	Public - MFF	Public – National 	Private Contribution	
£10,000	£6,000.00	60%	£2,000.00	20%	£2,000.00	20%	

Are you a Producer Organisation, an association of Producer’s Organisations or an inter-branch organisation? If yes you can get 75% public funding, see below

for an example;

Total project cost	Public - MFF	Public – National 	Private Contribution	
£10,000	£5,625.00	56.25%	£1,875.00	18.75%	£2,500.00	25%	

Are you a Fishermen’s Association? If yes you can get 60% public funding, see below for an example;

Total project cost	Public - MFF	Public – National 	Private Contribution	
£10,000	£4,500.00	45%	£1,500.00	15%	£4,000.00	40%	

Grant Rates Key;

The grant rate tables below contain abbreviations an explanation of those abbreviations is below;

SSCF	Small scale coastal Fishing – vessels 11.99m or less not using towed gear	
PO	Producer Organisation	
SME	Micro, small and medium enterprises – see General Guidance note for further advice	

The grant rate tables include Notes which apply to some projects and can allow them to apply for a higher rate of funding. An explanation of the notes is below. If you think these apply to your project and you are eligible for the higher rate of funding please contact the MMO for further advice.

Note 1	An applicant may be able to secure funding from another public source to match the MFF funding; if not, the applicant will need to provide their own (private) match funding	
Note 2	The MMO may decide to provide the public match funding if no other source of public funding is available and the project is judged to make a strong contribution to a priority policy objective	
Note 3	These projects can receive up to 100% of the total eligible expenditure from grant funding	

Innovation in Fisheries 

Projects include; This Article covers projects that stimulate innovation in fisheries. It can fund the development or introduction of;
•	new or substantially improved products and equipment,

•	new or improved processes and techniques

•	new or improved management and organisation systems Funding can include projects at the level of processing and marketing.
Projects funded under this Article must be carried out by, or in collaboration with, a scientific or technical body, recognised by the MMO. That scientific or technical body must validate the results of the project.

Innovation in Fisheries	

Type of Applicant	Grant Rates as Percentages of Eligible Costs	Limits of Grant Available	
	
Total public money %	
MFF %	
National IB %	National other % (see note 1)	
Private
%	
Minimum Grant £	
Maximum Grant £	
Private	50	37.5	0	12.5	50	1000	200,000	
Private (SSCF) + 30%	80	60	0	20	20	1000	200,000	
Private (organisations of fishermen/collective)
+10%	
60	
45	
0	
15	
40	
1000	
200,000	
Private (POs) +25%	75	56.25	0	18.75	25	1000	200,000	
If any of the types of applicant above has a project in which meets the criteria below, the grant rates above will be superseded by the rates below; see note 3;	
Projects which meet all the following three criteria – see General Guidance for details;

1.	Project has collective interests

2.	Project has collective beneficiaries

3.	Project has innovative features	

50 - 100	

0- 50		

0-50	

0-50	

1000	

200,000	

Support for the design and implementation of 	  conservation measures and regional cooperation 	

Projects include;

This Article covers projects that stimulate innovation in fisheries. It can fund;

•	the design, development and monitoring of technical and administrative means necessary for the development and implementation of conservation measures and regionalisation;
•	stakeholder participation and cooperation between suitable countries in designing and implementing conservation measures and regionalisation.

Design and implementation of conservation measures and regional cooperation	

Type of Applicant	Grant Rates as Percentages of Eligible Costs	Limits of Grant Available	
	Total public money %	MFF %	National IB %	National other %*	Private
%	Minimum Grant £	Maximum Grant £	
Private	50	37.5	12.5	   0	50	500	250,000	
Private (SSCF) + 30%	80	60	20	   0	20	500	250,000	
Private (organisations of fishermen/collective
) +10%	
60	
45	
15	
   0	
40	
500	
250,000	
Private (POs)
+25%	75	56.25	18.75	0	25	500	250,000	
If any of the types of applicant above has a project in the category below, the grant rates above will be superseded by the rates below; see note 3;	
Projects which meet all the following three criteria – see General Guidance for details;

1.	Project has collective interests

2.	Project has collective beneficiaries

3.	Project has innovative features (if applicable)	

50 - 100	

0- 50	

0-50		

0-50	

500	

250,000	

Limitation of the impact of fishing on the marine environment and adaptation of fishing to the protection of species

Projects include;

•	equipment improving size selectivity or species selectivity of fishing gear;
•	equipment that eliminates discards by avoiding and reducing unwanted catches of commercial stocks, or that deals with unwanted catches to be landed
•	equipment that limits and, where possible, eliminates the physical and biological impacts of fishing on the ecosystem or the sea bed;
•	equipment that protects gear and catches from mammals and birds

Limitation of the impact fishing on the marine environment and adaptation of fishing to the protection of species	

Type of Applicant	Grant Rates as Percentages of Eligible Costs	Limits of Grant Available	
	Total public money %	
MFF %	National IB %	National other %*	Private
%	Minimum Grant £	Maximum Grant £	
Private	50	37.5	12.5	0	50	500	75,000	
Private (SSCF) + 30%	80	60	20	0	20	500	75,000	
Private (organisations of fishermen/collective)
+10%	
60	
45	
15	0	
40	
500	
75,000	
Private (POs) +25%	75	56.25	18.75	0	25	500	75,000	
If any of the types of applicant above has a project in the category below, the grant rates above will be superseded by the rates below; see note 3;	
Projects which meet all the following three criteria – see General Guidance for details;

1.	Project has collective interests

2.	Project has collective beneficiaries

3.	Project has innovative features (if applicable)	

50 - 100	

0- 50	

0-50		

0-50	

500	

75,000	

Innovation linked to the conservation of marine biological resources 

Projects include;
 
•	Projects aimed at developing or introducing new technical or organisational knowledge that reduces the impact of fishing activities on the environment, including improved fishing techniques and gear selectivity, or aimed at achieving a more sustainable use of marine biological resources and coexistence with protected predators

Innovation linked to the conservation of marine biological resources	

Type of Applicant	Grant Rates as Percentages of Eligible Costs	Limits of Grant Available	
	Total public money %	
MFF %	National IB %	National other %*	Private
%	Minimum Grant £	Maximum Grant £	
Private	50	37.5	0	12.5	50	500	220,000	
Private (SSCF) + 30%	80	60	0	20	20	500	220,000	
Private (organisations of fishermen/collective)
+10%	
60	
45	0	
15	
40	
500	
220,000	
Private (POs) +25%	75	56.25	0	18.75	25	500	220,000	
If any of the types of applicant above has a project in the category below, the grant rates above will be superseded by the rates below; see note 3;	
Projects which meet all the following three criteria – see General Guidance for details;

1.	Project has collective interests

2.	Project has collective beneficiaries

3.	Project has innovative features (if applicable)	

50 - 100	

0- 50		

0-50	

0-50	

500	

220,000	

Protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems and compensation regimes in the framework of sustainable fishing activities 

Projects include;

•	the collection of waste by fishermen from the sea such as the removal of lost fishing gear and marine litter the construction, installation or modernisation of static or movable facilities intended to protect and enhance marine fauna and flora, including their scientific preparation and evaluation
•	contributions to a better management or conservation of marine biological resources
•	the preparation, including studies, drawing-up, monitoring and updating of protection and management plans for fishery-related activities relating to NATURA 2000 sites and spatial protected areas referred to in The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 and relating to other special habitats
•	the management, restoration and monitoring of NATURA 2000 sites in accordance with The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, in accordance with prioritised action frameworks established pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC
•	the management, restoration and monitoring of marine protected areas with a view to the implementation of the spatial protection measures referred to in The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 increasing environmental awareness, involving fishermen, with regard to the protection and restoration of marine biodiversity
•	schemes for compensation for damage to catches caused by mammals and birds protected The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019
•	the participation in other actions aimed at maintaining and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services, such as the restoration of specific marine and coastal habitats in support of sustainable fish stocks, including their scientific preparation and evaluation

Protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems and compensation regimes in the framework of sustainable fishing activities	

Type of Applicant	Grant Rates as Percentages of Eligible Costs	Limits of Grant Available	
	Total public money %	
MFF %	National IB %	National other %*	Private
%	Minimum Grant £	Maximum Grant £	
Private	50	37.5	12.5	0	50	500	250,000	
Private (SSCF) + 30%	80	60	20	0	20	500	250,000	
Private (organisations of fishermen/collective)
+10%	
60	
45	
15	0	
40	
500	
250,000	
Private (POs) +25%	75	56.25	18.75	0	25	500	250,000	
If any of the types of applicant above has a project in the category below, the grant rates above will be superseded by the rates below; see note 3;	

Projects which meet all the following three criteria – see General Guidance for details;

1.	Project has collective interests

2.	Project has collective beneficiaries

3.	Project has innovative features (if applicable)	

50 - 100	

0- 50	

0-50		

0-50	

500	

250,000	

Protection and restoration of marine biodiversity and ecosystems and compensation regimes in the framework of sustainable fishing activities – Collection of lost fishing gear and marine litter	

Type of Applicant	Grant Rates as Percentages of Eligible Costs	Limits of Grant Available	
	Total public money
%	
MFF %	
National IB %	
National other %*	
Private
%	
Minimum Grant £	
Maximum Grant £	
Private	50	37.5	12.5	0	50	500	60,000	
Private (SSCF) + 30%	80	60	20	0	20	500	60,000	
Private (organisations of fishermen/collective)
+10%	
60	
45	
15	0	
40	
500	60,000	
Private (POs) +25%	75	56.25	18.75	0	25	500	60,000	
If any of the types of applicant above has a project in the category below, the grant rates above will be superseded by the rates below; see note 3;	
Projects which meet all the following three criteria – see General Guidance for details;

1.	Project has collective interests

2.	Project has collective beneficiaries

3.	Project has innovative features (if applicable)	

50 -
100	

0- 50	

0-50		

0-50	

500	

60,000	

Inland fishing and inland aquatic fauna and flora
In order to protect and develop aquatic fauna and flora projects include;

•	the management, restoration and monitoring of NATURA 2000 sites which are affected by fishing activities, and the rehabilitation of inland waters in accordance with The Common Fisheries Policy (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, including spawning grounds and migration routes for migratory species, and, where relevant, with the participation of inland fishermen
•	the construction, modernisation or installation of static or movable facilities intended to protect and enhance aquatic fauna and flora, including their scientific preparation, monitoring and evaluation

Inland fishing and inland aquatic fauna and flora – protect and develop aquatic fauna and flora	

Type of Applicant	
Grant Rates as Percentages of Eligible Costs	Limits of Grant Available	
	Total public money
%	
MFF %	
National IB %	
National other %*	
Private
%	
Minimum Grant £	Maximum Grant £	
Private	50	37.5	12.5	0	50	500	240,000	
Private (organisations of fishermen/collective)
+10%	
60	
45	
15	0	
40	
500	
240,000	
Private (POs) +25%	75	56.25	18.75	0	25	500	240,000	
If any of the types of applicant above has a project in the category below, the grant rates above will be superseded by the rates below; see note 3;	
Projects which meet all the following three criteria – see General Guidance for details;

1.	Project has collective interests

2.	Project has collective beneficiaries

3.	Project has innovative features (if applicable)	

50 - 100	

0- 50	

0-50		

0-50	

500	

240,000	

Part 4 What Will Your Project Achieve?

What Are the Targets and Benefits of Your Project?

Targets 	

Targets tell us what your project will achieve and how it will contribute to the development of your business. We use them to assess the progress and achievements of your project.
Targets are set by yourself based on your knowledge of your business and project. We may work with you to develop these targets further.
We will use these targets to measure the progress and success of your project. These targets and any benefits you have outlined will be included in your Offer Letter.
Good targets must be specific to your business and project, be able to be easily measured, must be directly achievable by your project, be realistic and have timescales to make them easy to assess.
There are explanations and examples in the table below;

Example target	What makes it a good target?	
Development work on the systems underpinning the implementation of intertidal conservation measures in the coastal region identified will be undertaken over 3 years with annual reviews in April of each year	The target is specific to a region and is addressing a key concern within that region. The target also has a clear timescale with milestones
Making a target achievable is important as we don’t you to tell us something you will struggle to meet. Make sure your target is something you can control to have the best chance of meeting it. We want your project to be a success	
Discards will be reduced to >5% in first year reducing to >3% in the third year and >1% in the subsequent two years	This example has clear percentage targets within it that be easily measured against. It also has clear timescales for achievement at year 1, year 3 and year 5
Measurements can be almost anything depending on your project including but not limited to events, participants, increases in sale prices/value, discards or profits made	
This project will assess the evidence needs that will inform the protection of marine biodiversity in the 10 mile coastal	This example is specific to evidence needs and to an identified stretch of coastline in which the activity	

region identified	undertaken can be clearly mapped

You must make sure that your targets are specific to your project. You must be able to control the activity that relates to your target to have the best chance of meeting them	
To improve migration routes for eels along the 2 miles of waterways identified by previous research undertaken within the specified region	This target is achievable as previous research has underpinned the decision to improve the stretch applied for
Targets should be able to be met by you without too much difficulty. If you make them unrealistic and overestimate your achievements and you don’t reach them you may put your funding at risk	
Develop and implement a resource management system to be developed in the first year be tested and running by the end of year 2 with 6 partners contributing data per year for the subsequent 3 years	The year by year timescales on the project help to assess its progress along the way and makes it easy to report on as you can see clearly where things are going well and were things have not gone so well and helps to inform how things might change going forward if necessary
Putting timescales on your project helps you to keep an eye on progress. The length of time depends on the project but in most cases we would expect to see a minimum of 3 years. Timescales will also help you report on your progress	

Benefits 	

You will need to describe the expected benefits of your project on yourself, your organisation and the wider fisheries sector. For example, you could describe how installing new and more efficient refrigeration equipment will enable you to get better quality fish back to shore without increasing your catch.

Financial benefits	When writing about the benefits of your project, you should include any financial benefits. For example an increase in profitability, turnover or job creation. Explain how you will determine your project has been a success and has been value for money
Confirmation whether your project will result in safeguarding jobs including those which are under threat (jobs can be safeguarded by a project only if the completion of your project will directly contribute to the prevention of staff being made redundant)	
Environmental benefits	For example relieving pressure from pressurised fishing stocks or discards. You should set out any benefits on the environment associated with your project. These may include improvements to air quality, water quality, wildlife habitats, biodiversity and the use of primary materials	
Other benefits	Such as social benefits. You should set out any expected social benefits associated with your project. This might include improvements to your company’s reputation which is very real but harder to prove	
Monitoring	Outline how you will measure these benefits during your project and after its completion. Make sure they are relatively easy for you to monitor, you do not have to make things too difficult for yourself	

If you do not meet the targets and benefits originally agreed and set out in the offer letter issued to you by MMO then the level of achievement of the targets and benefits will be considered. MMO will take a proportionate approach to this consideration and where possible work with you to address the issues. MMO must protect the public funding elements of the MFF scheme and any match

funding wherever possible so recovery of funding already paid to you or the withholding of funding outstanding may occur if it is considered necessary.

Part 5 What To Do Now

If you are ready to apply for funding you should make sure you have addressed the following;

a)	Certified Copy of your Identification documents (Passport/Driving Licence/Utility Bill(s)) (If Applicable)

b)	Letter To Show Proof Of Authority For (Joint) Partnerships (If Applicable)

c)	A Business Case (If Applicable)

d)	Your Organisation‘s Finances including 3 years accounts

e)	The correct number of quotes

f)	All projects, where there is a workforce of one or more persons, whether permanent or temporary, must comply with any sanitary rules appropriate to the England

g)	You must confirm that you have read the associated General Guidance and this Investments on Board Fishing Vessels Guidance Note

Please note that we will not be able to return the copies 	  of any documents to you.

Part 6 Ready to Apply?

The E-system can be accessed on the MMO website. The E-system is simple to use and you will be able to log-in and see the status of your application and upload documents such as quotes.

Contact Details

Write to

Grants Team
Marine Management Organisation

Lancaster House Newcastle Business Park Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YH

Telephone

020802 65539

Email

MFF.queries@marinemanagement.org.uk

You will receive an acknowledgement of your application within 5 working days of submission the MMO. We will inform you in writing within 8 weeks if your application has been successful or not, provided you have supplied all the necessary information and documentation. If it has been successful then you will be sent an Offer Letter which will contain further instructions.

If you are unsuccessful then see the MMO website for more information on re- applying, appealing and MMO’s complaint procedure.