Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund 2025/26
The Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund is designed to support marine and fisheries activity and help deliver against the aims and objectives within the Joint Fisheries Statement and NI Executive’s commitments to Green Growth and Net-zero. The Programme is managed in Northern Ireland by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).
The Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund
The Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund is now open for applications. Please note that all projects for which applications are submitted must be completed and final claim submitted by 31 March 2026.
At this time, subject to available funding, it is anticipated that the closing date for applications will be 31 December 2025.
Support is available for projects that deliver on sustainable economic growth in the sea fisheries and aquaculture sectors as well opportunities for industry to invest in projects that focus on Net-Zero commitments, fleet resilience and an innovative approach to addressing environmental concerns and the restoration of blue carbon.
The following Schemes are open for applications:
- Scheme 1 - Investments Onboard Licensed Fishing vessel
- Scheme 2 - Fisheries Innovation, Science & Partnerships
- Scheme 3 - Environment and Conservation Action
- Scheme 4 - Developing NI Aquaculture
- Scheme 5 - Processing & Marketing of Fish and Aquaculture produce
- Scheme 6 - Fishing Ports Infrastructure
Information and guidance
Before applying for funding you must read the general guidance note and the specific guidance note relevant to the type of project you are seeking funding for. The specific guidance notes explains the types of funding you can apply for, the types of projects that can be funded, how much money you can apply for and how to apply.
You can access the guidance notes through the following links -
- General Guidance Note
- Investments Onboard Licensed Fishing vessels
- Fisheries Innovation, Science & Partnerships
- Environment and Conservation Action
- Developing NI Aquaculture
- Processing & Marketing of Fish and Aquaculture produce
- Fishing Ports Infrastructure
How to apply for funding
Applications should be made and submitted through the MEFF Application-system using the link below. Please note before you can apply for funding you must register on NI Direct Government Services or Government Gateway.
Additional information
You will be required to submit evidence in support of your application. This evidence can be uploaded to the MEFF Application system and submitted as part of your application. Depending on the type of application being submitted additional information will be required to provide a complete picture of your proposed project. You will be required to complete the relevant addendum found at the link below -
The completed addendum should be uploaded and submitted as supporting evidence with your application. If you have any problems uploading your supporting evidence it can be e mailed to MEFF.queries@daera-ni.gov.uk ensuring the application reference is quoted on the e mail, or alternatively printed and posted to the address below again quoting your application reference.
If you have do experience any difficulties please contact the DAERA MFD Programme Support Branch (See details below).
MFD Programme Support Branch contacts details
Email address: MEFF.queries@daera-ni.gov.uk
Telephone: 028 4461 8190 or 028 4465 8065
Or alternatively, write to
DAERA MFD Programme Support Branch
First Floor
Rathkeltair House
Market Street
Downpatrick
Co. DOWN
BT30 6AJ
Business Case template
A business case must be completed for all projects over £25,000 or income/profit related. A business case Template and supporting guidance is available at the link below.
MEFF transparency initiative
Every six months, this website will be updated with a list of all projects which have been offered funding. The following information will be published about each project:
- name of the recipient of the funds
- community fleet register identification number (if the project is linked to a fishing vessel)
- name of the project
- brief summary describing the project
- start and expected completion date for the project
- total of eligible costs and how this is funded
The list of beneficiaries are available on the link below: