£1 Million Up for Grabs to Boost UK Sea Fishing Fun
The UK Government has unveiled a £1 million fund aimed at transforming recreational sea fishing hotspots along the coast. Coastal communities can now apply for grants ranging from £10,000 to £100,000 to slam-dunk improvements on fishing infrastructure.
Fresh Funds to Upgrade Facilities and Go Green
The cash is geared toward upgrading piers, harbours, and access paths. Floating walkways, pontoon dockings, and fishing tournaments could all get a boost. Plus, projects that cut carbon emissions and help recover the marine environment are top of the list.
Training for sustainable fishing practices is also on the table — ensuring anglers fish responsibly while enjoying their sport.
Big Boost for Coastal Communities and Economy
Recreational sea fishing isn’t just a pastime — it’s a massive money-spinner. Two million UK anglers hit the waters every year, pumping more than £800 million into the economy through things like fishing tournaments, boat rentals, bait shops, and tourism.
This initiative is part of the wider £100 million UK Seafood Fund, designed to future-proof the fishing and seafood industries by backing innovation, skills training, and infrastructure upgrades nationwide.
Top Ministers Back the Push for Bigger, Better Fishing
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:“Recreational sea fishing is a small but mighty part of our fishing industry. It contributes to the economic growth of coastal communities and is a much-loved sport that can improve the health and well-being of those who take part.
This new round of funding will encourage the development and expansion of the sport in coastal areas, promote and support more sustainable fishing practices, and ultimately make recreational fishing bigger and better for anglers across the UK.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland John Lamont added:“The £100 million UK Seafood Fund is a crucial part of our commitment to help level up coastal communities and deliver the Prime Minister’s priorities of growing the economy and creating better-paid jobs and opportunity right across the country.
So far, Scotland’s world-renowned fisheries, seafood and aquaculture sectors have won £8.4 million in grants from the fund and I urge eligible applicants to come forward and bid for investment for new and improved infrastructure for recreational sea fishing in Scotland.”
How to Grab Your Share of the Cash
The fund is open for applications until 19th June 2023. Coastal groups and organisations can apply online via the Atamis Contracts Search portal.
This latest tranche adds to the £65 million already awarded across the seafood supply chain — including fleet modernisation, hybrid and electric engine trials, and harbour upgrades. Big players like Scottish Denholm Seafoods and Cornwall’s Falfish have already secured funding to ramp up production and tech.
The Seafood Fund has also dished out nearly £20 million for processing facility expansions and made a further £30 million available in a second round. There’s even a £2 million pot dedicated to greener fishing engines and safer fleets.
On top of all this, the UK Seafood Fund Skills and Training scheme is offering up to £10 million to boost skills and training for workers and recreational anglers alike.
