Ocean Stewardship Fund

Ocean Stewardship Fund is sponsored by Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The Ocean Stewardship Fund is a grantmaking program that provides grants for fishery improvements and funds important research into bycatch reduction, protecting marine habitats, and the effects of climate change.

It supports practical, science-based solutions that support sustainable fisheries, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen effective fisheries management around the world.

Ocean Stewardship Fund | Marine Stewardship Council Since its creation in 2019, the MSC’s Ocean Stewardship Fund has awarded £9 million to support almost 200 fisheries and projects worldwide. The Ocean Stewardship Fund is a grantmaking program created and hosted by the MSC. It provides grants for fishery improvements and funds important research into bycatch reduction, protecting marine habitats, and the effects of climate change.

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 Ocean Stewardship Fund grant round. Explore the available funds, check your eligibility and read the application guidance before applying. Deadlines vary by fund.

Please check the details for the relevant funding opportunity. Why the Ocean Stewardship Fund exists Healthy oceans rely on sustainable fisheries, thriving marine ecosystems, and effective fisheries management. Yet overfishing remains a serious global challenge that threatens ocean wildlife and biodiversity and affects millions of people who rely on seafood for food security, livelihoods, and economic wellbeing.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that more than a third of global fish stocks (35. 5%) are fished at biologically unsustainable levels. Fishing can also impact marine habitats and unintentionally catch non-target species, including endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species such as sharks, rays, and turtles.

The Ocean Stewardship Fund exists to help support practical, science-based solutions that support sustainable fisheries, reduce environmental impacts, and strengthen effective fisheries management around the world.

Focus of the Ocean Stewardship Fund Supporting science-based management to maintain sustainable fish stocks Protecting marine ecosystems Reducing the environmental impacts of fishing on habitats and marine wildlife Transparent and effective fisheries management Strengthening monitoring, governance and accountability in fisheries management systems Fisheries and projects supported Milestone transaction of Loan Guarantee Facility From mission-aligned donors Each year, the MSC commits 5% of annual royalties from MSC certified product sales, together with contributions from mission-aligned partners including foundations and corporate partners.

Applications are now open for the 2026/27 funding round. Calls for proposals open annually and grants typically range from GBP 10,000 - 50,000.

Eligible applicants include: Fisheries participating in the MSC Improvement Program Research institutions, NGOs or community groups working with fisheries aligned to the MSC Standard Collaborative projects with clear environmental, social or scientific benefits Applicants are assessed on impact, feasibility, innovation, and alignment with the MSC's mission to end overfishing.

View open grants and apply Explore the Project Library View all the OSF annual grant-funded projects by year Pathway to Sustainability Philanthropic conservation organisation the MAVA Foundation recently funded two multi-stakeholder projects, operating across five West African countries.

Investigating mammal interactions The South Africa hake fishery is working with a student researcher to investigate the causes and frequency of interactions with orcas and Cape fur seals. Assessing impacts to sustainable fisheries We are carrying out research to identify fisheries and regions where predicted climate impacts threaten their ability to meet benchmarks for sustainabile management. '{{item.

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