Deadline: December 1, 2025
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is now accepting applications for the MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund 2025 — an initiative designed to support fisheries and researchers advancing global ocean sustainability. If you’re working to improve fishing practices, reduce bycatch, enhance traceability, or contribute to marine ecosystem protection, this funding opportunity could help scale your impact.
About the MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund 2025
The MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund 2025 provides financial support to fisheries and research institutions driving measurable progress towards sustainable fishing. The fund supports projects that aim to strengthen management practices, enhance stock recovery, and promote long-term ocean stewardship in line with MSC’s sustainability standards.
Administered by the Marine Stewardship Council, the fund prioritises fisheries in developing economies and those participating in the MSC In-Transition Programme. The goal is to accelerate their journey toward full MSC certification and encourage broader participation in sustainable seafood markets.
Funding Overview
- Maximum Grant Amount: £50,000
- Funding Duration: Up to 2 years
- Eligible Applicants:
- Fisheries enrolled in the MSC In-Transition Programme
- Research institutions, NGOs, and organisations contributing to sustainable fishing and ocean health
- Application Deadline: 1 December 2025 (23:59 UTC)
- Call Opened: 22 September 2025
Funding Streams
The MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund 2025 includes several targeted sub-funds designed to address specific needs within sustainable fisheries and research:
1. Transition Assistance Fund
Supports fisheries working toward MSC certification. Grants can be used for:
- Implementation of improvement actions
- Purchase of fixed assets and equipment
- Capacity building and training
- Salaries for project staff
- Traceability and monitoring systems
2. Science & Research Fund
Provides funding for scientific studies that strengthen global fisheries management, particularly under the following themes:
- At-Sea Monitoring: Developing innovative methods to collect reliable fisheries data.
- Harvest Strategies and Harvest Control Rules: Creating frameworks to maintain sustainable stock levels and promote adaptive management.
3. Recertification Assistance Fund
Aimed at already MSC-certified fisheries seeking recertification. Funding supports continuous improvement, sustainability audits, and assessment costs.
Who Should Apply
The MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund 2025 is ideal for:
- Fisheries committed to achieving or maintaining MSC certification.
- Organisations implementing fishery improvement projects (FIPs).
- Research institutions exploring sustainable harvesting, data collection, or marine ecosystem conservation.
- NGOs supporting community-based fisheries in developing economies.
Priority consideration will be given to projects operating in developing countries or those demonstrating strong collaborative approaches between local fishers, scientists, and management agencies.
Eligibility and Application Guidelines
- Each fishery or organisation can submit only one application.
- Fisheries targeting the same stock must submit joint applications under one lead organisation.
- Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed project contributes to measurable environmental and social outcomes.
- Matching funds (cash or in-kind) are strongly encouraged.
- Funding cannot be used to promote or endorse commercial products or services.
- Proposals must clearly show sustainability outcomes aligned with MSC objectives.
Key Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Call Opens | 22 September 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 1 December 2025 (23:59 UTC) |
| Review and Evaluation | January – March 2026 |
| Grant Announcement | April 2026 |
Why Apply to the MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund 2025
The MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund 2025 provides practical, accessible funding that helps fisheries and organisations overcome barriers to sustainable certification. It enables applicants to:
- Strengthen fishery governance and management systems.
- Improve environmental performance.
- Advance scientific understanding of sustainable practices.
- Enhance local capacity and community participation.
This fund represents a key step toward global sustainable seafood production and long-term ocean resilience.
Next Steps
Interested organisations are encouraged to review the official 2025 Call for Proposals and prepare submissions early. Proposals must clearly define objectives, sustainability outcomes, budgets, and alignment with MSC’s improvement priorities.
Would you like professional assistance with your application? Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
