Melanie welcomes £132 million boost for fishing and coastal communities

Melanie Onn, Labour MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes and Co Chair of the APPG on Fisheries, has welcomed new opportunities for fishermen, seafood businesses and coastal communities to access over £132 million of UK Government investment through the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme.

The funding, delivered through the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, is now open for applications across England. The scheme will support projects that strengthen the industry and improve life in coastal areas, including investment in ports and harbours, workforce development, seafood processing and local regeneration.

Responding to the announcement, Melanie Onn MP said:

“Fishing is at the heart of our identity here in Grimsby, and our seafood sector remains one of the most important employers in our community.

This investment is a real opportunity to support local businesses, improve infrastructure and help secure the long term future of our fishing and seafood industries.

As Co Chair of the APPG on Fisheries, I have consistently raised the need for meaningful investment that reflects the realities facing coastal communities. It is particularly welcome that this scheme has been shaped by engagement with the sector, including dedicated support for small scale fishers and greater flexibility through multi year funding."

Melanie adds: "I am also pleased to see that smaller operators and community groups are being actively encouraged to apply, with support in place to help them access funding for the first time.

This is about backing coastal communities like ours, creating good jobs, and ensuring that our fishing industry can thrive for generations to come.”

The scheme includes around £6 million ring fenced specifically for small scale coastal fishers, alongside support for larger projects that improve safety, sustainability and market access across the sector.

Applications are now open, with further funding rounds scheduled throughout 2026. More information can be found here: http://www.gov.uk/guidance/fisheries-and-seafood-scheme