Support to improve the resilience and sustainability of shore-based facilities
Updated 23 February 2024
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fisheries-and-seafood-scheme-guidance/support-to-improve-the-resilience-and-sustainability-of-shore-based-facilities
1. Introduction
Funding in this area will support developments in shore-based infrastructure across the supply chain, including in aquaculture and processing facilities; improvements in the control and traceability of products, and projects that support accessing new markets.
Funding can be applied for under the following measures:
- M3: Enhancing the quality and/or the adding of value of aquaculture products
- M9: Increasing the potential or sustainability of aquaculture sites
- M10: Developing a sustainable aquaculture sector
- M16 Improving the value and quality of fisheries products
- M33 Marketing Measures
- M34 Processing of fisheries products
Please note this information 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 the MMO.
2. Projects you can apply for
2.1 M3: Enhancing the quality and/or the adding of value of aquaculture products
Projects can include:
- The modernisation of aquaculture enterprises or construction of new ones, provided the development is consistent with aims of the English Aquaculture Strategy (EAS)
- The enhancing or quality and/or the adding of value of aquaculture products
- Developing pilots / scoping commercial feasibility of England-based hatcheries for aquaculture to increase resilience and the type of species targeted
Funding will not be provided for:
- The construction of new aquaculture enterprises, where the development is not consistent with the English Aquaculture Strategy (EAS) or does not support existing fishery or aquaculture businesses to adapt to the changing market conditions resulting from EU Exit;
- Support shall not be granted to aquaculture projects in environmentally sensitive protected areas, if it has been determined on the basis of an environmental impact assessment, that the operation would generate significant negative environmental impact that cannot be adequately mitigated.
Result indicators
FaSS result indicators have been designed to measure the benefits delivered by a project. Result indicators are specific to the type of project you are applying for. For projects under M3, Enhancing the quality and/or the adding of value of aquaculture products:
M3: Enhancing the quality and/or the adding of value of aquaculture products
| Indicator | Information you must provide |
|---|---|
| Change in grade of shellfish | The grade of shellfish before the project. The expected grade of shellfish following the project. |
| The expected and actual change in grade of shellfish will be used to determine the project’s success | |
| Change in the volume of production via recirculation systems | The current total annual volume (tonnes) of production using recirculation systems, before the project. The expected total annual volume (tonnes) of production using recirculation systems following the project. |
| The expected and actual change in production using recirculation systems will be used to determine the project’s success |
Not all FaSS result indicators will be applicable to your project. You will be asked to choose the most suitable indictor to demonstrate the benefits of your project.
Once the project is complete you will be required to provide evidence as part of post project monitoring to show the actual benefits achieved by your project.
2.2 M9 Increasing the potential or sustainability of aquaculture sites
Projects can include:
- Identifying and mapping of the most suitable areas for developing aquaculture - public law bodies or private bodies approved by the MMO only
- Contributing to the improvement and development of support facilities and infrastructure required to increase the potential of aquaculture sites - public law bodies or private bodies approved by the MMO only
- Reductions in the negative environmental impacts, or enhancement of the positive effects, of aquaculture on the environment, including investments in land consolidation, energy supply or water management
- Investments in substantial reduction in the impact of aquaculture enterprises on water usage and quality, in particular through reducing the amount of water or chemicals, antibiotics and other medicines used, or through improving the output water quality, including through the deployment of multi–trophic aquaculture systems
- The promotion of closed aquaculture systems where aquaculture products are farmed in closed recirculation systems, thereby minimising water use *Investments increasing energy efficiency, reducing emissions and promoting the conversion of aquaculture enterprises to renewable sources of energy,
- Equipment replacement that reduces fuel consumption (more efficient fridges, generators, pumps, LED lights, electronic equipment)
- Improvements to animal health and welfare including equipment to protect farms from wild predators
- The rehabilitation of disused ponds and lagoons including the removal of silt.
Funding will not be provided for:
- Anyone who is not a public law or private body or otherwise authorised by the MMO
- Equipment that may be detrimental to stocks and ecosystems.
Result indicators
FaSS result indicators have been designed to measure the benefits delivered by a project. Result indicators are specific to the type of project you are applying for. For projects under M9, Increasing the potential or sustainability of aquaculture sites, the following indicators are applicable:
M9 Increasing the potential or sustainability of aquaculture sites
| Indicator | Information you must provide |
|---|---|
| Change in the volume of Production via recirculation systems | The current total annual volume (tonnes) of production using recirculation systems, before the project. The expected total annual volume (tonnes) of production using recirculation systems following the project. |
| The expected and actual change in production using recirculation systems will be used to determine the project’s success | |
| Change in the value of production via recirculation systems | The current total annual value (£) of production using recirculation systems before the project. The expected total annual value (£) of production using recirculation systems following the project. |
| The expected and actual change in value by using recirculation systems will be used to determine the project’s success. | |
| Change in net profits | Current profit (£) Expected profit (£) after the project Company accounts for the last 3 years. |
| The expected and actual change in net profit will be used to determine the project’s success. |
Not all FaSS result indicators will be applicable to your project. You will be asked to choose the most suitable indictor to demonstrate the benefits of your project.
Once the project is complete you will be required to provide evidence as part of post project monitoring to show the actual benefits achieved by your project.
2.3 M10 Developing a sustainable aquaculture sector
Projects can include:
- Support to convert an aquaculture farm to an organic aquaculture farm.
Funding will not be provided for:
-
Retail costs – including premises and vehicles related to retail businesses
-
The construction of new aquaculture enterprises, where the development is not consistent with the English Aquaculture Strategy (EAS) or does not support existing fishery or aquaculture businesses to adapt to the changing market conditions resulting from EU Exit
-
Support shall not be granted to aquaculture projects in environmentally sensitive protected areas, if it has been determined on the basis of an environmental impact assessment, that the operation would generate significant negative environmental impact that cannot be adequately mitigated.
Result indicators
FaSS result indicators have been designed to measure the benefits delivered by a project. Result indicators are specific to the type of project you are applying for. For projects under M10, Developing a sustainable aquaculture sector, the following indicators are applicable:
M10 Developing a sustainable aquaculture sector
| Indicator | Information you must provide |
|---|---|
| Number of projects limiting the impact of aquaculture on the environment (Eco management, audit schemes, organic aquaculture environmental services) | Information on which of the following best describes your project: 1. eco management: 2. audit schemes; 3. organic aquaculture; or 4. environmental services. How your project intends to limit the impact on the environment and the expected changes after the project. How you will measure and report any changes on the environment. |
| The expected and actual change in impacts on the environment will be used to determine the project’s success. |
Not all FaSS result indicators will be applicable to your project. You will be asked to choose the most suitable indictor to demonstrate the benefits of your project.
Once the project is complete you will be required to provide evidence as part of post project monitoring to show the actual benefits achieved by your project.
2.4 M16 Improving the value and quality of fisheries products
Projects can include:
- Investments that add value to fishery products.
- Investments that increase the quality, control and traceability of products Investments that increase energy efficiency
Funding will not be provided for:
- Investments on-board vessels, these might be eligible under support for fishing activities.
- Projects that are unable to clearly demonstrate the improved quality or value added to fisheries products.
Results Indicators
FaSS result indicators have been designed to measure the benefits delivered by a project. Result indicators are specific to the type of project you are applying for. For projects under M16, Improving the value and quality of fisheries products, the following indicators are applicable:
M16 Improving the value and quality of fisheries products
| Indicator | Information you must provide |
|---|---|
| Change in net profits | - Current profit (£) - Expected profit (£) after the project - Company accounts for the last 3 years. |
| The expected and actual change in net profit will be used to determine the project’s success. |
Not all FaSS result indicators will be applicable to your project. You will be asked to choose the most suitable indictor to demonstrate the benefits of your project.
Once the project is complete you will be required to provide evidence as part of post project monitoring to show the actual benefits achieved by your project
2.5 M33 Marketing Measures
Projects can include:
- The finding of new markets and improving the conditions for the placing on the market of fishery and aquaculture products, including:
- Unwanted catches landed from commercial stocks in accordance with technical measures
- Fishery and aquaculture products obtained using methods with low impact on the environment, or organic aquaculture products.
- Promoting the quality and the value added through the certification of sustainable fishery and aquaculture products, enabling access to new markets.
- The certification and the promotion of sustainable fishery and aquaculture products, including data collection and products from small–scale coastal fishing, and of environmentally-friendly processing methods
- Domestic selling of fishery products by small–scale coastal fishers through quay side stalls and the set up of alternative selling platforms
- Increasing local sales to consumers to provide a new source of income.
- The development of tools/approaches to improve traceability to demonstrate sustainability
- Finding new markets and improving the conditions for the placing on the market of fishery and aquaculture products
- Support for changes to certification and labelling.
Funding will not be provided for:
- Projects aimed at commercial brands.
- Creation of Producer Organisations.
Result indicators
FaSS result indicators have been designed to measure the benefits delivered by a project. Result indicators are specific to the type of project you are applying for. For projects under M33, Marketing Measures, the following indicators are applicable:
M33 Marketing Measures
| Indicator | Information you must provide |
|---|---|
| Change in tonnes exported | Total annual volume of seafood exported (tonnes), before the project. Total expected annual volume of seafood exported (tonnes), after the project. Company accounts for the last 3 years. Information on the export markets which you are current using. Information on any new export markets you expect to use as a result of this project. |
| The expected and actual change in volumes exported and markets utilised will be used to determine the project’s success. | |
| Change in tonnes sold on the domestic market | Total annual volume of seafood sold on the domestic market (tonnes), before the project. Total annual volume of seafood sold on the domestic market (tonnes), after the project. Company accounts for the last 3 years. Information on the domestic markets which you are current using. Information on any new domestic markets you expect to use as a result of this project. |
| The expected and actual change in volumes exported and markets utilised will be used to determine the project’s success. | |
| Change in value (£) of first sales in Producer Organisations Change in value (£) of first sales of Non- Producer Organisations |
Annual value of first sales (£) before your project. Expected annual value of first sales (£) after your project. Company accounts for the last 3 years. |
| The expected and actual change in annual value will be used to determine the project’s success. | |
| Change in volume of first sales in Producer Organisations Change in volume of first sales of Non-Producer Organisations |
Annual volume (tonnes) of first sales before your project. Expected annual volume (tonnes) of first sales after your project. Company accounts for the last 3 years. |
| The expected and actual change in annual volume of first sales will be used to determine the project’s success. | |
| Change in net profits | Current profit (£) Expected profit (£) after the project Company accounts for the last 3 years. |
| The expected and actual change in net profit will be used to determine the project’s success. |
Not all FaSS result indicators will be applicable to your project. You will be asked to choose the most suitable indictor to demonstrate the benefits of your project.
Once the project is complete you will be required to provide evidence as part of post project monitoring to show the actual benefits achieved by your project.
2.6 M34 Processing of fisheries products
Projects can include:
- Investments increasing energy efficiency, reducing emissions and promoting the conversion of processing enterprises to renewable sources of energy
- Equipment replacement that reduces fuel consumption (more efficient fridges, generators, pumps, LED lights, electronic equipment)
- Contributions to reduce the impact on the environment or processing enterprises, including waste treatment
- The processing of by-products resulting from main processing activities.
- The processing of organic aquaculture products
- New or improved products, processes, or management and organisation systems.
Funding will not be provided for:
- Running costs and daily operational costs of processing companies and facilities including utilities and salaries of staff.
- Preventative or scheduled maintenance costs.
Result indicators
FaSS result indicators have been designed to measure the benefits delivered by a project. Result indicators are specific to the type of project you are applying for. For projects under M34, Processing of fisheries and aquaculture products, the following indicators are applicable:
M34 Processing of fisheries and aquaculture products
| Indicator | Information you must provide |
|---|---|
| Change in net profits | Current profit (£) Expected profit (£) after the project Company accounts for the last 3 years. |
| The expected and actual change in net profits will be used to determine the project’s success. | |
| Change in the number of work-related injuries and accidents | The number of work-related injuries and accidents in the past 12 months, before the project. |
| The change in work related injuries and accidents will be used to determine the project’s success. | |
| Change in value (£) of first sales in Producer Organisations Change in value (£) of first sales of Non- Producer Organisations |
Annual value of first sales (£) before your project. Expected annual value of first sales (£) after your project. Company accounts for the last 3 years. |
| The expected and actual change in annual value will be used to determine the project’s success. | |
| Change in volume of first sales in Producer Organisations Change in volume of first sales of Non-Producer Organisations |
Annual volume (tonnes) of first sales before your project. Expected annual volume (tonnes) of first sales after your project. Company accounts for the last 3 years. |
| The expected and actual change in annual volume of first sales will be used to determine the project’s success. |
Not all FaSS result indicators will be applicable to your project. You will be asked to choose the most suitable indictor to demonstrate the benefits of your project.
Once the project is complete you will be required to provide evidence as part of post project monitoring to show the actual benefits achieved by your project.
3. Funding available
The minimum and maximum funding available for measures relating to shore-based facilities are outlined below:
3.1 Limits of Funding Available in FaSS Measures
| FaSS Measure | Minimum Grant Value Available (£) | Maximum Grant Value Available (£) |
|---|---|---|
| M3 Enhancing the quality and/or the adding of value of aquaculture products | 500 | 70,000 |
| M9 Increasing the potential or sustainability of aquaculture sites | 500 | 30,000 |
| M10 Developing a sustainable aquaculture sector | 500 | 30,000 |
| M16 Improving the value and quality of fisheries products | 500 | 70,000 |
| M33: Marketing measures | 1,000 | 70,000 |
| M34: Processing of fisheries products | 1,000 | 150,000 |
Every project will require a level of match funding. The level of funding you are required to provide will depend on your business or organisation type.
It is your responsibility to source and provide match funding, such as business loans or cash resources. You must state the source of funding when applying. Before committing any private resources, we recommend you seek independent financial advice.
The amount of money you can apply for will depend on your business or organisation type. There are maximum allocations allowed for each applicant are outlined below:
| Applicant Type | Fass% | Match Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Public | 75 | 25 |
| Private (Micro Entity) | 60 | 40 |
| Private (SME) | 50 | 50 |
| Private (Non-SME) | 30 | 70 |
| Private (SSCF) | 80 | 20 |
| Private (Fishermen’s Associations) | 75 | 25 |
| Private (PO’s) | 75 | 25 |
3.2 M28 Commercial Funding Rate
| Applicant Type | Fass% | Match Funding |
|---|---|---|
| All Applicants | 20 | 80 |
Grant Rates Key:
SSCF - Small scale coastal fishing – vessels under 12m and not using towed gear;
PO - Producer Organisation;
SME - Small and medium enterprises;