MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund

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Enriched alliance · Found: 2026-05-06 16:58

Funder: Marine Stewardship Council Ocean Stewardship Fund

The MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund has awarded $8.8 million to support almost 200 fisheries and projects worldwide since 2019. Annual grants support sustainable fisheries research, bycatch reduction, and fisheries improvement projects globally.

Source: https://www.msc.org/what-we-are-doing/our-collective-impact/ocean-stewardship-fund

Funding Details

Funder: Marine Stewardship Council
Funding Goal: Annual grants supporting sustainable fisheries research, bycatch reduction, climate change impact research, marine habitat protection, and fisheries improvement projects. Funds fisheries at all stages of their sustainability journey including MSC-certified fisheries, those in improvement programs, and student researchers.
Funding Amount: Since 2019, $8.8 million awarded to almost 200 fisheries and projects worldwide. Individual grant amounts vary; student research grants and recertification assistance funds are smaller tranches. 5% of annual royalties from MSC certified product sales committed to the fund.
Deadline: Rolling basis (Recertification Assistance Fund open on rolling basis; annual grants cycle currently closed) (Rolling)
How to Apply: Applications via MSC website. Annual grants cycle opens periodically — currently closed. Recertification Assistance Fund open on rolling basis. Apply at https://www.msc.org/for-business/fisheries/funding
Target Region: Global
Contact: Marine Stewardship Council, Marine House, 1 Snow Hill, London, EC1A 2DH. Contact via https://www.msc.org/about-the-msc/contact-us
Last Checked: 2026-05-07 00:06

Application Checklist

Eligibility

Fishery must be MSC certified or enrolled in an MSC Improvement Program to be eligible for most grant streams
Student research grants require postgraduate enrollment and research project linked to MSC-engaged fisheries

Project Scope

Recertification Assistance Fund covers Conformity Assessment Body fees only (2nd+ recertification)
All grant streams require demonstrated sustainability improvement objectives aligned with MSC Fisheries Standard

Required Documents

Final report required upon grant completion

Constraints

Annual grants are currently closed; check MSC website for next opening date

Summary

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Ocean Stewardship Fund provides grants to fisheries and research projects working towards or maintaining sustainable fishing practices globally. The fund was established in 2019 and is financed by 5% of annual royalties from MSC certified product sales, supplemented by third-party donations. Since its creation, the fund has awarded $8.8 million to nearly 200 fisheries and projects worldwide. Thematic scope covers: sustainable fisheries management, bycatch reduction, protection of marine habitats and ecosystems, climate change impacts on fish stocks and fishing communities, fishery improvement projects (FIPs), and recertification support for existing MSC-certified fisheries. Eligible activities include annual grants for fisheries at all stages of the sustainability journey, transition assistance for fisheries in MSC Improvement Programs, science and research projects overcoming barriers to MSC certification maintenance, recertification assistance covering Conformity Assessment Body fees, and student research grants for postgraduate researchers working with MSC-engaged fisheries. Geographic scope is global. The fund has supported fisheries across all world regions including West Africa, South Africa, and other developing economy fisheries through dedicated pathways. Eligible applicants are fisheries organisations, fishing cooperatives, and research institutions working with fisheries that are MSC certified or in MSC improvement programs. Student research grants target postgraduate researchers. The fund also supports the Pathway to Sustainability program for small-scale and developing-economy fisheries through philanthropic partnerships. The program does not focus on plastic pollution, marine litter, or circular economy. Its conservation lens is entirely on sustainable fisheries management — fish stock health, bycatch, and climate resilience of fishing operations.

Historical Context

Ocean Stewardship Fund established in 2019. Since inception has awarded $8.8 million to nearly 200 fisheries and projects worldwide. Annual grants have run since 2020. Fund supported by 5% of MSC certified product royalties combined with third-party donations.

Why it was added

discovered from funder #655: MSC Ocean Stewardship Fund

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