The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) invites applications for the Ocean Stewardship Fund (OSF) 2025, offering grants of up to £50,000 to advance global fisheries toward long-term sustainability. This initiative represents MSC’s unwavering commitment to protecting marine ecosystems, supporting responsible fishing practices, and promoting transparent seafood supply chains. Applications are open until December 1, 2025.
About the Ocean Stewardship Fund
The MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund was established to drive measurable improvements in fisheries management and sustainability practices around the world. The Fund channels resources toward fisheries that are committed to making tangible progress in line with MSC’s environmental standards. By allocating 5% of MSC’s annual royalties from certified product sales along with contributions from partners and donors the Fund helps accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable seafood industry.
Through targeted financial support, the Ocean Stewardship Fund encourages innovation, science-based improvements, and collaboration across the fisheries sector. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that fisheries, especially those in developing countries, have access to the resources and expertise needed to achieve sustainability certification.
Funding Details
The 2025 Ocean Stewardship Fund will award grants of up to £50,000 for projects lasting a maximum of two years. Funding may cover a wide range of eligible costs directly linked to fisheries improvement initiatives. These include hiring or contracting an Improvement Programme Manager, conducting field research, acquiring necessary fixed assets, paying staff salaries, addressing traceability risks, and implementing targeted improvement actions identified in the fisheries’ plans.
The grant is designed to strengthen fisheries’ operational and governance systems, promote data collection and analysis, and encourage stakeholder collaboration. Projects are expected to deliver clear, measurable outcomes that demonstrate progress toward MSC certification or enhanced environmental performance.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Ocean Stewardship Fund 2025, applicants must meet specific requirements that ensure funds are used effectively and strategically:
- The fishery must be enrolled in the MSC Improvement Programme and must have undergone independent verification to confirm eligibility.
- Fisheries already in MSC Full Assessment are not eligible for this funding cycle.
- Each fishery may submit only one application. However, if multiple fisheries target the same stock and share improvement goals, they should apply jointly through a single lead organization.
- Fisheries that have previously received a Transition Assistance Fund grant must have completed that project before applying for new funding.
- The proposed project must address one or more actions identified within the fishery’s Improvement Action Plan.
- The lead applicant must be the designated Improvement Programme Manager or an individual closely involved in the management of the improvement process. The lead organization will serve as the primary grant holder and will be responsible for financial and project reporting.
These eligibility standards ensure that the Ocean Stewardship Fund supports projects capable of delivering lasting environmental and social benefits.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will undergo a rigorous review and scoring process to determine funding allocation. The assessment framework evaluates:
- The quality and relevance of proposed improvement actions.
- The technical and managerial capacity of the project team.
- The potential impact and long-term benefits of the project.
- Identified risks and mitigation strategies.
- The level of co-funding or in-kind support secured to complement the grant.
- The feasibility of completing the project within the proposed timeframe and budget.
Strong applications will clearly outline measurable outcomes, demonstrate collaboration among stakeholders, and present a convincing case for how the project will contribute to sustainable fishery practices.
How to Apply
Interested fisheries are encouraged to begin by contacting their local MSC representative for guidance and eligibility clarification. Applicants must submit a detailed proposal outlining their improvement goals, proposed activities, budget, timeline, and expected outcomes. Supporting documentation, including verification of MSC Improvement Programme enrollment and relevant action plans, will be required.
All applications must be submitted by December 1, 2025. Successful applicants will receive notification of award decisions following a thorough review and selection process.
Conclusion
The MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund 2025 represents a powerful opportunity for fisheries worldwide to strengthen their sustainability journey. By investing in innovation, collaboration, and data-driven improvements, the Fund contributes to healthier oceans and more resilient fishing communities. Through this initiative, the MSC continues to empower fisheries to meet global sustainability benchmarks and ensure that future generations can benefit from thriving marine ecosystems.
In a rapidly changing world where ocean resources are under increasing pressure, this Fund stands as a vital instrument of hope and progress encouraging responsible stewardship and shared accountability for the planet’s most precious natural resource.
Application Deadline: December 1, 2025
