Science and Research Fund

The fund supports projects that deliver the essential research needed for MSC certified fisheries.  

For the 2020-21 we particularly welcome projects that focus on the following priority research areas:  

• Improving the effectiveness of harvest strategy/harvest control rules  
• Ensuring bait used by fishers to catch fish is sustainably sourced

Preference will be given to projects that have the potential to benefit multiple fisheries and the wider ocean community.

Amount of funding available: up to £50,000 per project.

Duration of funding: projects must be completed within a two-year period.

Deadline for applications: applications are now closed, with the next call expected in October 2021.

Who can apply?

The fund is open to submissions from external organisations, including academic institutions, independent researchers or MSC certified fisheries. Submissions by organisations must be made by a named individual who will be responsible for that project.  

All submissions must be applicable to an MSC certified fishery or fisheries and applications must be accompanied by a letter of support from the fishery or fisheries related to the proposal. 

Employees, trustees, agents, current contractors, and relatives of employees or trustees of the MSC are ineligible.

You must be able to accept our Ocean Stewardship Fund Privacy Policy and Science and Research Fund Grant Agreement below.

We will review 

• The proposed activities and relevance to the Science and Research Fund aim
• Feasibility of the project outcomes and key performance indicators
• The potential of proposals to to benefit multiple fisheries and the wider ocean community
• Qualifications and track record of the project team
  
• Enthusiasm for external project communications
• Evidence of matched or additional funding. 
  

How to apply

Completed applications must be submitted in English and submitted via email to OSF@msc.org.