Up to £1 million available for sea angling infrastructure

Up to £1 million in funding is available to improve recreational fishing infrastructure, facilities and access via the government’s UK Seafood Fund Infrastructure Scheme.

Projects are funded on a match-funding basis with the amount of funding dependent on the registration status of the applicant. Applicants can apply for a minimum of £10,000 and a maximum of £100,000.

Examples of projects that are fundable include:

• piers, harbours and other onshore sea fishing areas
• ponds, canals and other bodies of water connected to onshore sea fishing
• slipways, berths and moorings for boat angling
• docking for pontoons and floating walkways
• paths to access sea fishing areas
• facilities such as toilets and disabled access in onshore sea fishing areas and in angling clubs
• accessibility modifications on vessels, such as disabled access on charter boats
• infrastructure required for angling tournaments
• training and upskilling for catch-and-release and other methods of sustainable fishing, including diversification of species
• the use of renewable energy and reduction of carbon emissions

The deadline for applications is 12 pm on the 19^th of June 2023.

Stuart Singleton-White, Head of Campaigns said “Since recreational sea angling has been recognised as a stakeholder in UK fisheries, the Angling Trust have lobbied the government hard to invest in our sport so it’s fantastic to see £1 million committed by government to funding sea angling infrastructure. We strongly encourage sea angling clubs to consider applying for this funding opportunity and to contact their local council or port authority to partner on a grant application to improve recreational fishing venues and access in their local area.”

Hannah Rudd, Policy & Advocacy Manager said  “The Fisheries Act commits to where possible, funding being available for the promotion and development of recreational sea angling. Anglers know the importance of our sport locally to the economy and to participants’ health and wellbeing, so we welcome this opportunity to invest in sea angling and coastal communities. The Angling Trust remain committed to lobbying the government for more funding opportunities that invest in our sport and look forward to seeing the successful projects funded by this scheme. Our vision is for there to be a network of world-class sea angling venues across the country supported by thriving sustainable fisheries.”

More information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-uk-seafood-fund-infrastructure-scheme-round-4

The Angling Trust are not involved in the delivery of the UK Seafood Fund Recreational Infrastructure Scheme or the application approval process.