Transition Assistance Fund

Since 2020, we have awarded 19 grants via the Ocean Stewardship Fund to fisheries in improvement projects in Indonesia, India, Mexico and South Africa, verified through the In-Transition to MSC program. 

Fisheries with verified action plans can apply for support to cover the costs of implementing improvements as well as the costs associated with progress verification.

In 2023, £150,000 was awarded to four fishery improvement projects:

• Protecting vulnerable species and habitats in the South African hake longline fishery

• Aiding recovery of Mexican red sea urchins

• Supporting further improvements in the Mexico red rock lobster fishery

• Supporting sustainability improvements in the Sonora shrimp fishery

Aims of the Fund

• Increase the number of small-scale fisheries and fisheries in developing economies transitioning toward sustainable practices through our In-Transition to MSC program. 

• Incentivise fisheries in the In-Transition to MSC program to continue to work toward MSC certification.

• Support the costs associated with implementing improvements identified in fisheries' action plans.

What grants are available?

Amount of funding available: up to £50,000 

Deadline for applications: applications are currently closed 

Who can apply?

The Transition Assistance Fund welcomes applications from any fisheries in developing economies and small-scale fisheries that are part of the In-Transition to MSC (ITM) program.

The program provides independent verification for fisheries committed to becoming MSC certified by entering full assessment.

Each fishery can only submit one application for consideration. If the fishery is applying for a second Transition Assistance Fund grant, the term of the first grant must have concluded by the time of application.

Submissions by organisations must be made by a named individual who will be responsible for that project.

Applications will be assessed on:

• Meeting the ITM eligibility or progress status 
• Clarity and feasibility of the project outcomes and key performance indicators within the timelines   
• Contribution of the project to improvements in the fishery 
• Competency of the ITM project manager 
• Experience and track record in fisheries improvements of the implementing organisation 
• Evidence of matched or additional funding 
  

How to apply

The Transition Assistance Fund is currently closed.

Sign up to receive email updates for reminders for when the fund opens.