The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is providing financial support through the Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund in Northern Ireland for 2026/27.

MEFF is intended to support marine and fisheries activity and to contribute to the aims set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement, alongside Northern Ireland Executive commitments on Green Growth and Net Zero. For 2026/27, the fund will provide a total of £3.05 million support for fishing, with awards made at DAERA's discretion.

Eligible applicants include owners of Northern Ireland-registered fishing vessels commercially fished from a port based in Northern Ireland, fisherwoman or the spouse or legal partner of a fisherman, producer organisations, inter-branch organisations and public or semi-public bodies. Aquaculture businesses and organisations, organisations of fishermen or fisherwomen, organisations involved in the production, processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products, non-governmental organisations and environmental NGOs can also apply.

Other eligible applicants include associations including new aquaculture farmers, universities and research institutes, micro, small and medium-sized businesses, scientific organisations working in maritime sectors and public-private partnerships.

Funding can be used to support projects under six areas: investments onboard licenced fishing vessels, fisheries innovation, science and partnerships, environment and conservation action, developing NI aquaculture, processing and marketing of fish and aquaculture produce and fishing ports infrastructure.

Supported projects are expected to be delivered by 31 March 2027. For more information please visit Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund 2026/27 | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs