Transition Assistance Fund grant available to small-scale fisheries

The Transition Assistance Fund supports small-scale fisheries and fisheries in the Global South on their pathway to sustainability, and is part of our Ocean Stewardship Fund.

In 2021, three projects in Indonesia and India were awarded an Ocean Stewardship Fund to help progress their fisheries towards MSC certification.

Since 2020, nine fisheries improvement projects in Indonesia, India, Mexico and South Africa, verified through the In-Transition to MSC program, have received financial support through the Ocean Stewardship Fund.

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.

Over the next two years, the fisheries will use this funding to support the costs of implementing improvements identified in their action plans.

Aims of the fund

Increase the number of small-scale fisheries and fisheries in the Global South transitioning towards sustainable practices through our In-Transition to MSC program.
Incentivise fisheries in the In-Transition to MSC program to continue to work towards 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

Duration of funding: two years

Deadline for applications: applications are now closed, with the next call expected in October 2021. Sign up to receive email updates for when the fund reopens.

Who can apply?

The Transition Assistance Fund welcomes applications from any small-scale fisheries or fisheries in the Global South who are part of the In-Transition to MSC (ITM) program.

The ITM program provides independent verification for fisheries committed to becoming MSC certified by entering full assessment within 5 years.

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

Applicants must be able to accept the Transition Assistance Fund Grant Agreement and Ocean Stewardship Fund Privacy Policy below.

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