Marine Fund Scotland 2025-2026: general guidance notes version 1 - May 2025

Annex C: Projects/types of work Marine Fund Scotland 2025-26 funding cannot be applied for

The Marine Fund Scotland 2025-26 will not accept applications for funding for:

1. the replacement of creels or basic design changes such as development of escape hatches.

2. replacement of fishing gear unless it is replaced with gear which has a radical design with evidenced conservation benefits. All gear is regularly replaced (1-3 years) as it naturally has a life span. Fishers should take this into account in their business plans and expected future costs

3. wear and tear and expected maintenance on fishing vessels. General maintenance and repair should be factored into a vessels operating costs and is something experienced by all vessels. Again, funding some radical design with evidenced conservation and environmental benefits is reasonable

4. applications received from organisations/individuals who have been awarded gear in the five years prior to the received application, will not be considered

5. meeting the costs of statutory requirements (business costs associated with meeting legal requirements, e.g. fishing vessel safety surveys, Emergency Position Reporting Beacons, etc.). Support with costs for activities that go beyond simple compliance with the law may be considered. Applications for funding support for innovation or research and development where it applies to the development of new technology or techniques which introduce efficiencies in meeting statutory requirements may also be considered.

6. the purchase or acquisition of fish quota entitlement.

7. development or other costs that the organisation or business (i.e. the applicant) could reasonably be expected to cover themselves, such as those for consumables.

8. contingency costs

9. direct engine replacements or upgrades (i.e. diesel engine for diesel engine, or upgrading a diesel engine). However, at this stage, we will consider applications for funding to support the testing of novel engine technologies as part a study or trial to test feasibility and impact, and with the aim of receiving insights/data that can be used to guide decisions in future years of the Marine Fund Scotland on funding for engine replacements/modifications to support climate change mitigation.

10. cessation of fishing activities temporarily or permanently, unless otherwise agreed by the Scottish Ministers.

11. engaging in exploratory fishing

12. transferring ownership of a business

13. costs of advertising or branding commercial products

14. business running costs are ineligible. This includes salary costs for private businesses. Only in exceptional circumstances would this be considered.

15. aquaculture applications can only be accepted where the product is food. No applications for support for ornamental fish are allowed.

16. direct restocking, unless explicitly agreed by Scottish Ministers as a conservation measure

17. the construction or purchase of fishing vessels unless the investment is in respect to a first-time purchase of a fishing vessel or a share in a fishing vessel by new entrants (‘young fishers’)

18. the costs of purchase of land if these costs exceed 10% of the total expenditure of the project in question

19. projects that do not comply with the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

20. applicants must incur the costs of their project themselves, no third party costs or payments allowed

21. large enterprise applications are capped at a maximum of 30%. See the link to business size definitions as noted in Table one of the Grant Rates section of the guidance.

Additional ineligible projects may be identified throughout the Marine Fund Scotland 2025-26. If you are unsure whether your project is eligible, contact us at MFS@gov.scot before applying. However, please be aware we can provide general advice, but we cannot comment on the likelihood of your project being awarded.