Deadline: 01-Sep-2026
The Environment Fund Marine, supported by The Waterloo Foundation, offers grants for projects that protect marine ecosystems, restore declining fish stocks, and promote sustainable fisheries. The programme funds strategic and local initiatives that influence policy, support communities reliant on fisheries, and safeguard mangroves and seagrasses, prioritizing measurable impact and long-term sustainability.
Overview of the Programme
The Environment Fund Marine aims to halt and restore declining fish stocks while supporting sustainable and small-scale fisheries. Projects are designed to benefit ecosystems, local communities, and global fisheries sustainability, with emphasis on policy influence, conservation, and community-led initiatives.
Focus Areas
The programme supports projects in the following areas:
- Sustainable Fisheries – Preventing illegal and destructive fishing practices
- Policy Influence – Initiatives shaping fisheries policy at local, regional, or international levels
- Community Impact – Supporting livelihoods and fish stocks relied on by local populations, especially in the Global South
- Ecosystem Protection – Conserving mangroves, seagrasses, and marine habitats
Strategic vs Local Projects
Strategic Projects
- Operate at international or regional scale
- Influence marine policy and supply chain practices
- Explore innovative fishing techniques
- Enhance information sharing to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing
- Require proven track record, measurable outcomes, clear monitoring, and sustainability plans
Local Projects
- Focus on direct positive impacts on marine fisheries
- Support community-managed marine protected areas
- Develop sustainable fisheries management led by local communities
- Address local overexploitation and livelihood sustainability
- Require evidence of past success, measurable outcomes, and defined sustainability strategies
Funding Details
- Grants may be one-off or multi-annual, typically for up to five years
- Funding range: £100,000–£150,000, often distributed over multiple years
- Co-funding encouraged; preference given to applications with secured match funding
- UK-based charities are prioritized, with collaboration from local NGOs in project regions
- Non-UK applicants must provide a credible UK-based reference validating their work
Who Can Apply
- UK-registered charities and non-profits
- Local NGOs partnering with UK-based organizations
- International organizations with a credible UK-based referee
- Applicants must demonstrate experience, measurable impact, and sustainability plans
How to Apply
- Prepare a project proposal detailing objectives, target communities, conservation strategies, and expected outcomes
- Include a budget plan, highlighting any co-funding or secured match funding
- Provide evidence of previous success or expertise in marine conservation or fisheries management
- Submit a credible UK-based reference if applying from outside the UK
- Ensure measurable monitoring and sustainability strategies are clearly outlined
Expected Results
- Improved fish stocks and ecosystem health
- Increased sustainability of small-scale fisheries
- Enhanced community livelihoods and coastal resilience
- Positive policy changes at local, regional, or international levels
- Long-term protection of critical habitats such as mangroves and seagrasses
Why This Programme Matters
The programme addresses the urgent decline of global fish stocks, which threatens ecosystems and millions of livelihoods. By supporting strategic and local interventions, it promotes sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and resilient coastal communities.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Lack of clear, measurable outcomes
- Missing sustainability and long-term impact strategies
- Insufficient evidence of past success or community engagement
- Failure to secure or indicate match funding
- Non-UK applicants not providing a credible UK-based reference
FAQs
1. What types of projects are eligible? Strategic or local initiatives addressing marine conservation, sustainable fisheries, and habitat protection.
2. How long is the funding period? Typically up to 5 years; one-off or multi-annual grants.
3. What is the funding amount? Usually £100,000–£150,000.
4. Can international organizations apply? Yes, with a UK-based reference validating the applicant’s work.
5. Are co-funding and partnerships required? Strongly encouraged; preference given to projects with match funding.
6. Who is prioritized? UK-based charities collaborating with local NGOs in project regions.
7. What outcomes are expected? Improved fish stocks, sustainable fisheries, community livelihoods, ecosystem protection, and policy influence.
Conclusion
The Environment Fund Marine empowers organizations to tackle declining fish stocks, promote sustainable fisheries, and protect marine ecosystems. By combining strategic influence and local action, the programme ensures measurable impact, community benefits, and long-term sustainability in marine conservation.
For more information, visit The Waterloo Foundation.